It’s advised that you start using olive oil ear drops around 1-2 weeks ahead of your earwax removal appointment, as this helps loosen the wax before the microsuction. You can ask your pharmacist at the time of booking your appointment if you’re unsure.
Earwax is a natural sticky substance produced in the ear canal. It helps protect your ears by trapping dirt, dust and bacteria before they can reach the deeper parts of your ear canal. Usually, earwax moves out of the ear on its own, however sometimes it can build up and cause symptoms such as:
Book your appointment online or in one of our pharmacies.* You might be advised to start using olive oil ear drops 1-2 weeks before your appointment. During the appointment, one of our Ear Care Practitioners will examine your ears to check for ear wax build-up and help idenrtify what's causing your symptoms. You'll also be offered a FREE hearing check, and - if appropriate - we can then refer you to specialist audiologists.
If we find a build-up of ear wax, you can choose to have it removed during the same appointment using our quick and gentle microsuction service for £50. If there's no ear wax to remove, there's nothing to pay!
After your appointment, we'll explain waht we've found and answer any questions you might have. If needed, we'll also advise on next steps - including a free follow-up appointment if needed.
After you’ve had the microsuction wax removal, it’s recommended to try and keep your ears dry for the following 24-48 hours. If showering during this time, you should use a shower cap or apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a cotton ball and place it at the entrance of the ear (not inside), to prevent water from going in the ears.
Try to be gentle when cleaning your ears, too, ideally using a dry tissue or clean flannel around the outer entrance of the ear – not inside. If possible, you should also avoid in-ear devices such as earphones just for the first couple of days after treatment. This allows the ears to fully heal.
A build-up of earwax can make pressure changes during a flight feel more uncomfortable. If you’re planning a trip and are prone to blocked or sore ears, an ear health check could help identify whether wax is a contributing factor, and removal could help alleviate some of those pesky in-flight ear troubles.
Microsuction is a safe method of ear wax removal, but you could experience some temporary symptoms such as:
These symptoms should go away on their own within 24 hours as your ears adjust. We recommend keeping your ears dry during the 24 hours following your appointment.
