Hearing First Finchley – Ear Wax Removal Using Microsuction

Yes. All of our microsuction practitioners are trained, certified and insured to provide microsuction ear wax removal.

With 43 locations in London, Berks, Bucks, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Herts, Kent, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Merseyside and Lancashire we’ve got you covered!
To book online, please click this link.

Yes. All of our microsuction practitioners are certified, trained and insured to provide manual instrument ear wax removal, which is especially suitable for people who are very sensitive to loud noise.

With 43 locations in London, Berks, Bucks, Cambridgeshire, Essex Herts, Kent, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Merseyside and Lancashire we’ve got you covered!
To book online, please click this link.

Pricing can vary if it is one or two ears, at peak or off-peak times, how far in advance the booking is made, and by location.
Click here to check the most up to date prices for your location

If you find that moderately loud noise like a vacuum cleaner or hand dryer causes you physical pain, then microsuction may not be right for you. Instead, we would recommend manual instrument ear wax removal. Fortunately all of our practitioners are trained to offer manual instrument ear wax removal, which is especially suitable for people who are very sensitive to loud noise.

With 43 locations in London, Berks, Bucks, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Herts, Kent, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Merseyside and Lancashire we’ve got you covered!
To book online, please click this link.

Yes: We provide microsuction ear wax removal for children aged 12-17 when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

With 43 locations in London, Berks, Bucks, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Herts, Kent, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Merseyside and Lancashire we’ve got you covered!
To book online, please click this link.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, we have unfortunately ceased to offer our service for under 12s.

If your ear has been examined by a doctor, nurse or Audiologist and your ear wax has been confirmed as being impacted, you should buy Waxsol from a Pharmacy and use it for two days before your procedure as advised in the patient leaflet. Otherwise we recommend that you use two squirts of Earol spray two to three times a day for at least three days before your procedure. When you come to your appointment, we will discuss any issues that may affect the procedure, examine your ear, then examine your ear with a portable ENT microscope. As long as it is safe to proceed, we will use gentle medical suction as well as specialist ENT instruments to safely and gently remove your impacted ear wax
To book online, please click this link.

With 43 locations in London, Berks, Bucks, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Herts, Kent, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Merseyside and Lancashire we’ve got you covered!
To find your nearest clinic and to book online, please click this link.

If you have confirmed soft ear wax, then you do not need to soften it as it is already soft. Also, if you have a perforated ear drum that has not healed, then you should not use ear drops before a microsuction procedure.
In every other case, pre-softening the wax is recommended: in “Aural microsuction for wax impaction: survey of efficacy and patient perception“, a significant finding was “Patients who had used cerumenolytics [ear drops or sprays] reported significantly less pain and vertigo [dizziness]”. Combining this important information with the study below (Suction-generated noise levels during aural toilet), we can conclude that patients should use 2 to 3 squirts of Earol spray (optionally with the addition of 3 glycerine drops 2 – 3 times a day) for at least 3 days prior to a microsuction procedure. Very hard impacted ear wax can also be softened with Waxsol used for two days prior to a microsuction procedure.
It is worth noting that there has been a recent review of various studies comparing the effectiveness of different types of ear drops. The conclusion is that no one brand of ear drop has been comprehensively shown to be better than any other. Nevertheless, we still recommend the use of Earol spray with the optional addition of glycerine drops as this has been shown to increase the comfort as well as reduce the chances of vertigo during a microsuction procedure.
We specifically recommend you do not use sodium bicarbonate or hydrogen peroxide ear drops: In a study called “Suction-generated noise levels during aural toilet“, noise levels were measured in the ear of an artificial model head using various suction tubes on different substances. It was noted that the suctioning of water generated very high levels of noise (over 130 dB(A)). For this reason we do not generally recommend the use of aggressive ear drops that contain sodium bicarbonate or urea hydrogen peroxide as it can make ear wax very watery, greatly increasing the noise level during the procedure. In addition, prolonged use of sodium bicarbonate ear drops can lead to an opportunistic infection of the ear canal (because sodium bicarbonate reduces the protective acidity level within the canal); and prolonged use of urea hydrogen peroxide drops can cause severe irritation to the skin surface in the ear canal in some people (hydrogen peroxide is bleach, after all).
To find your nearest clinic and to book online, please click this link.

We give research-backed reasons why you need to soften your ear wax in the above answer to “Do I need to soften my ear wax?”

Other websites say you don’t need to soften your ear wax because they want to get you through their door. If they then find that your ear wax is too hard, could you then be sure that they would stop and tell you that they weren’t entirely honest and you do actually need to soften your ear wax – and you’ll have to come back at another time?

We would rather be completely up front, outlining the benefits of pre-softening with Earol for you safety and comfort, as well as it greatly improving the chances of a successful procedure.
To find your nearest clinic and to book online, please click this link.

At the Hearing First Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Network we never syringe or irrigate. Instead, we use the far safer microsuction and manual instrument methods to remove ear wax.

Syringing was routinely offered in GP surgeries, and was largely replaced in the 1980s with electric ear irrigators. However, in a 2002 article (Removal of ear wax | The BMJ), the BMJ reported that ear syringing carries with it a high chance of complications: perforation of the ear drum, otitis externa, damage to the external canal, pain, deafness, vertigo, and tinnitus are all possible with syringing.

Syringing and irrigation is also contraindicated (not recommended) in case of current or previous ear drum perforation, ear infection, presence of a grommet, or a history of ear surgery, whereas microsuction can be safely used in these cases.

Microsuction is much safer than syringing, but requires a significantly higher level of training. All of our audiologists are hand picked and undergo additional training in advanced ear wax removal methods, giving us an unrivalled success rate of 99.8%.
To find your nearest clinic and to book online, please click this link.

Yes. Our London Baker Street microsuction ear wax removal clinic is open from 10 am until 4pm on Saturdays. Out of Hours appointments are limited, so please book early at this link.

Yes, we do! We provide ear wax removal for clients in Finchley, Whetstone, Finchley Central, North Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Highgate, Hampstead, Hendon, West Finchley, Mill Hill East, Brent Cross, Cricklewood, Hornsey, Wood Green, Woodside Park, Inglis Barracks, Totteridge, Cockfosters and other parts of North London.
Click here to book microsuction now

The cost of ear wax removal can vary depending on the provider and method used. At professional Audiologist-led clinics like Hearing First, the price for microsuction or manual instrument ear wax removal typically ranges from £50 to £80, although with advance booking and other promotions it can be as low as from £34.

No, the NHS no longer routinely offers ear syringing due to safety concerns and the risk of damaging the ear canal. Instead, they recommend safer and more effective methods such as microsuction and manual instrument ear wax removal, which should only be performed by trained registered professionals like Audiologists.

Yes, microsuction is considered to be safer and more effective than syringing. Microsuction uses gentle suction to remove ear wax, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the delicate ear canal and eardrum. It also provides a more precise and comfortable experience for the patient.

Pharmacies are not suitable places for ear wax removal because they typically lack the extensive training required in the anatomy and physiology of the ear. It is recommended to seek services from a registered Audiologist who has undergone at least six months of specialised training to ensure safe and effective treatment.

The NHS recommends using olive oil or over-the-counter ear drops to soften ear wax and then attend a professional ear wax removal clinic. For professional ear cleaning, it is advised to visit an Audiologist who uses safe and effective methods like microsuction or manual instruments. These professionals are trained to safely handle the delicate structures of the ear.

Olive oil can help to soften ear wax, making it easier for a professional to remove it. It is often recommended to use a few drops in the ear four times a day for five days prior to a procedure. However, for complete removal, seeking the help of a trained and registered Audiologist is advised. While olive oil does soften ear wax, it does also cause ear wax to expand and can lead to more rapid build up when used too frequently, so should be reserved for use prior to a removal procedure.

Symptoms that may indicate the need for ear wax removal include reduced hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, discomfort, or tinnitus. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to consult an Audiologist who can assess your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Ear wax removal, especially when performed by a registered Audiologist using microsuction or manual instruments, is generally not painful. Some people may experience slight discomfort during the procedure, but it is typically minimal and brief. The use of advanced techniques ensures a safer and more comfortable experience.

GPs typically no longer offer ear wax removal services due to the associated risks with traditional methods like syringing. Instead, they may refer patients to specialised Audiologist-led or ENT-led clinics, where Audiologists and ENTs who are trained in using safer and more effective techniques such as microsuction or manual ear wax removal will provide safe and effective ear wax removal.

Yes, getting ear wax removed by a professional is worth it as it can significantly improve hearing and overall ear health. Professional removal by trained, registered hearing specialists such as ENTs and Audiolgists ensures that the procedure is safe, reducing the risk of complications and providing a more effective solution to ear wax buildup.

The NHS generally does not cover ear wax removal services, meaning patients often need to seek private treatment. Services provided by trained Audiologists or specialised clinics usually come at a cost. It is advisable to check with your local NHS services for specific policies regarding ear wax removal, as in most areas of the UK this service is no longer funded by NHS UK.

Chemists typically do not offer ear syringing due to safety concerns and the potential for ear damage. Instead, it is recommended to visit an Audiologist who uses safer methods such as microsuction or manual ear wax removal. These professionals have the necessary training to handle the procedure safely.

To unblock ears full of wax, it is advised to use Earol olive oil spray 4 times a day for 5 days to soften the wax. If this does not alleviate the blockage, it is advisable to seek professional removal from a trained and registered Audiologist. They use safe and effective methods like microsuction and manual instruments to clear the blockage.

GPs generally do not perform ear wax removal any more due to the potential risks involved with traditional methods. They may refer patients to Audiologist-led or ENT-led clinics where trained professionals can safely remove ear wax using advanced techniques such as microsuction or manual instruments.

Flushing out ear wax at home is not recommended due to the risk of damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Instead, use Earol spray 4 times a day for 5 days to soften the wax and seek professional help from an professionally registered Audiologist. Audiologists use safe and effective methods like microsuction to remove the wax without causing harm.

The cost of ear wax removal in the UK varies, typically ranging from £50 to £80 at professional Audiologist-led clinics like Hearing First, although with advance booking and other promotions it can be as low as from £34. Methods such as microsuction or manual instrument removal performed by trained professionals ensure the procedure is safe and effective.

If your ear remains blocked for an extended period, it can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, and potentially infections. Prolonged blockage may also cause tinnitus or a feeling of fullness in the ear. It is important to seek professional help from an Audiologist if the blockage persists.

The NHS has ceased ear wax removal services like syringing due to safety concerns and the risk of damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Safer and more effective methods such as microsuction are now recommended. These methods are best performed by trained registered professionals that specialise in hearing like Audiologists and ENTs.

Most GPs do not offer ear wax removal services and may instead refer patients to Audiologist-led or ENT-led specialised clinics such as Hearing First. Audiologists are trained in the safe and effective removal of ear wax using methods like microsuction or manual instruments, and have at least 6 months’ training in the anatomy and physiology of the ear, ensuring a lower risk of complications.

Pharmacists are not recommended for ear wax removal as they lack the extensive training required in the anatomy and physiology of the ear. The ear canal is delicate, and improper handling can cause damage. It is advisable to seek services from a registered Audiologist who has the necessary expertise.

Doctors avoid removing ear wax to prevent the risks associated with traditional methods like syringing. Modern techniques such as microsuction, which require specialised training, are safer and more effective. These methods should be performed by trained professionals like Audiologists to ensure patient safety.

Boots used to offer ear wax removal services, but it is essential to ensure the procedure is performed by a trained registered professional Audiologist, as many high street retailers have begun using receptionists and sales staff to perform ear wax removal – often with only one or two days of training. Audiologists have at least 6 months’ training and most have at least two years’ training in the anatomy and physiology of the ear, and are therefore appropriate professionals to use safer methods like microsuction, which reduce the risk of damage to the delicate structures of the ear and provide a more effective treatment.

Specsavers typically charges around £55 for ear wax removal using microsuction. Many customers are saying the staff carrying out the procedure admitted to being a receptionist or sales assistant with only one or two days’ training. It is therefore essential to insist that the service is carried out by an HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser to guarantee safe and effective removal. Hearing First never use receptionists or sales assistants to carry out ear wax removal.

The NHS stopped ear syringing due to safety concerns and the potential risk of ear damage. Safer alternatives like microsuction, which are more effective and have a lower risk of complications, are now recommended. These methods should be performed by trained professionals such as Audiologists.

Ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are effective at dissolving ear wax quickly, although the peroxide bleach they contain can irritate the delicate lining of the ear canal and in some cases cause severe pain. Also, peroxide-based drops have a 50% chance of the wax going deeper into the ear instead of coming out. Olive oil drops can also help soften the wax for easier removal and are more gentle than peroxide-based drops, but can also cause wax to slide deeper into the ear. For best results and safety, it is advisable to use Earol olive oil spray with the head upright for 4 times a day for 5 days and seek professional removal from a registered Audiologist, who can ensure the process is done correctly.

Chemists should not offer ear wax removal services due to the need for extensive training in ear anatomy and physiology in order to be able to carry out the procedure safely. It is far wiser to visit an Audiologist who specialises in hearing and uses advanced techniques like microsuction or manual instruments to remove ear wax effectively and without causing harm.

Pharmacists generally do not flush ears due to the associated risks and the lack of specialised training required. They may recommend ear drops to soften the wax, although the best product to use is Earol 4 times a day for 5 days. For safe and effective ear wax removal, it is best to consult an registered Audiologist who is trained in techniques like microsuction, as well as having extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the ear.

It is not recommended to scoop out ear wax at home due to the risk of damaging the ear canal or eardrum. Instead, use Earol olive oil spray to soften the wax and seek professional help if needed. Audiologists can safely remove ear wax using methods like microsuction or manual instruments.

Using olive oil drops can take several weeks to months to clear ear wax. It should be noted that as well as softening ear wax, olive oil, like any liquid, also causes ear wax to expand and can worsen the blockage, at least temporarily. In order to quickly and efficiently clear ear wax, it is recommended to apply two squirts of Earol olive oil spray 4 times a day for 5 days and seek professional removal from a registered Audiologist to ensure the wax is safely and expertly removed.

Free ear syringing is generally no longer available through the NHS. Patients often need to seek private services for ear wax removal, which may come at a cost. Methods like microsuction, performed by trained and registered Audiologists, ensure the procedure is safe and effective. In general, the very cheapest services will be offered by amateurs, who are not statutory-registered health professionals, and there will be an increased risk of complications such as a ruptured ear drum or infection due to their low level of training. It is therefore advisable to be seen in an Audiologist-led clinic where you can be sure of the highest level of care.

Gently massaging the area around the ear can sometimes help move wax toward the outer ear. Use soft circular motions, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. For complete and safe removal, it is best to seek professional help from an Audiologist who can use appropriate techniques, such as microsuction and manual instruments.

Microsuction and manual instrument ear wax removal have replaced ear syringing due to their higher safety and effectiveness. These methods are less likely to cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum and are performed by trained, registered Audiologists who have extensive knowledge of ear anatomy and physiology.

The NHS typically does not cover ear syringing. Patients may need to seek private services for ear wax removal. It is advisable to check with local NHS services for specific policies, but generally, safer methods like microsuction, performed by statutory-registered health professionals, are recommended and may come at a cost. The most appropriate professionals to provide ear wax removal are Audiologists, because they specialise in hearing and have extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the ear.

While Otex Express ear drops can help dissolve and remove ear wax, the peroxide bleach it contains can severely irritate the lining of the ear canal, causing the skin to peel off resulting in severe pain. There is also a 50% risk that the ear wax will soften and lodge itself deeper in the ear. They are therefore generally not recommended by Audiologists, who specialise in hearing and ear health. Using Earol olive oil spray 4 times a day for 5 days with the head upright is the preferred method for softening ear wax as it is more gentle on the delicate ear, followed by professional ear wax removal by an Audiologist to ensure thorough and safe ear cleaning.