Welcome to Clean Ear Clinic!

Clean Ear Clinic offers a range of ear wax removal services including manual removal, microsuction and water irrigation. Each patient receives a bespoke service, with the most appropriate wax removal techniques selected to suit their individual needs.

You may be suffering from excessive wax build-up if:

• Your ears feel blocked or bunged up
• You are experiencing pain in your ears, behind your ears or near your jaw
• You can hear ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears
• You have noticed a sudden change in your hearing
• You feel like you are underwater or your hearing is muffled
• You have been told you have narrow ear canals

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you may benefit from professional ear wax removal.

Ear wax removal once or twice a year is sufficient for the majority of people who do not wear hearing aids (see next FAQ below). However, older people often need more regular ear wax removal for several additional reasons:

• Changes in ear wax consistency: With age, ear wax tends to become thicker and drier, making it harder to move out of the ear naturally.
• Reduced natural cleaning: Slower skin cell movement in the ear canal reduces the ear’s ability to self-clean.
• Narrower ear canals: Age-related changes can make ear canals narrower, allowing wax to build up more easily.
• Increased hair growth: More hair in the ear canal can trap ear wax and prevent it from clearing.
• Less jaw movement: Reduced chewing or talking can limit the natural movement that helps wax migrate outward.
• Reduced hearing sensitivity: Wax build-up may go unnoticed for longer, allowing blockages to become more severe before treatment is sought.
• Use of hearing aids or earplugs: These can push wax deeper into the ear and block natural wax movement (see next FAQ below).

Hearing aids can cause ear wax to build up faster and stop it from naturally clearing from the ear. Even a very small amount of wax can significantly impact hearing aid users. Regular ear wax removal is important to help the hearing aids work properly, maintain sound quality, prevent blockages and whistling, and reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

We recommend professional ear wax removal at least every six months for hearing aid wears. However, if you are prone to wax build-up, we recommend more regular check-ups.

Yes, blocked ears can cause temporary hearing loss and our ear wax removal service often restores hearing clarity immediately following treatment.

Your ear wax removal appointment will be performed by a qualified audiologist or hearing care clinician trained in ear wax removal techniques. As ear wax removal is a specialised procedure, not a cosmetic treatment, the clinical training received by our team ensures safe removal while protecting the delicate structures of the ear and your hearing.

Your ear wax removal appointment will last approximately 30 minutes. During this time, the clinician will discuss your ear health with you and examine the inside of your ears using a torch. If safe to do so, wax removal will be carried out, followed by post-procedure advice at the end of your appointment.

Since all our ear wax removal procedures are performed by trained and qualified audiologists or expert hearing care clinicians, the procedure should not hurt but may feel strange. Before starting, your clinician will talk through the procedure with you so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, we strongly recommend the use of olive oil in both ears twice before your appointment - on the night before your appointment and on the morning of your appointment. We do not recommend using olive oil drops for longer than this as overuse can make ear wax removal more challenging.

When applying the drops, lie down on your side with one ear facing up. Put a generous amount (several drops) in the ear facing up and continue to lie on your side for 10 minutes. Turn to your other side and repeat the process in your other ear. Do not use cotton wool afterwards. You may notice some olive oil seeping out of your ears when you get up - this is normal, just wipe the surplus with a tissue.

Important: Do not use olive oil (or any other types of drops) in your ears if you have a perforated ear drum or ear infection. 

Yes, our qualified professionals are trained in safe and effective paediatric ear wax removal in children aged 5 years and older.

Unfortunately, we do not offer home visits at present.

No, ear wax removal is largely no longer a standard NHS service. At Clean Ear Clinic, we offer high quality private appointments with state-of-the-art technology at affordable prices.