Ear wax removal
At Leightons, we provide a comprehensive ear wax removal service, delivered by our trained hearing care team at any of our branches across the South of England. Our professionals offer gentle, precise, and personalised service using advanced techniques for ear wax build-up. The consultation fee is a flat charge of £70, covering the removal of wax from one or both ears.
How does Leightons’ ear wax removal service work?
At Leightons, we provide a comprehensive ear wax removal service, delivered by our trained hearing care team at any of our branches across the South of England. Our professionals offer gentle, precise, and personalised service using advanced techniques for ear wax build-up. The consultation fee is a flat charge of £70, covering the removal of wax from one or both ears.
How to book your ear wax removal?
To schedule your wax removal appointment, you can book online, call us on 0800 40 20 20, or contact your local branch. Our friendly team is available to assist you at every step, ensuring a smooth booking process and finding a convenient time slot for you.
Please note that we may be unable to treat you if you are on a blood thinner.
How to prepare for ear wax removal?
To ensure a comfortable ear wax removal experience, we recommend using a medicated olive oil spray such as Earol daily for 5 days prior to your appointment. This helps soften the wax, making it easier to remove during your visit. You can find ear wax softening sprays at your local pharmacy or healthcare store.
However, if you've been advised against using oil or ear drops by another health professional, or if you have a known or suspected perforation of the eardrum, please refrain from doing so.
What happens at an ear wax removal appointment?
During your appointment, our specialists will assess your ears and medical history, then recommend the best removal method according to your needs.
They will use a video camera to provide you with a clear view inside your ear. This allows you to see the "before" and "after" effects of wax removal.
As part of our commitment to your overall hearing health, you will also receive a free quick hearing test during your appointment.
After your appointment
Following your ear wax removal appointment, you may experience improved hearing and relief from any discomfort caused by excessive wax build-up. Our team will provide you with any necessary aftercare instructions and recommendations to help maintain healthy ears.
How much does ear wax removal cost?
Our comprehensive ear wax removal consultation costs £70. Please note, this includes a £25 non-refundable consultation fee.
We take your hearing and ear health seriously, so our wax removal consultation includes a quick hearing test, detailed history, and time for you to ask any questions you might have. We employ the latest techniques, including video otoscopy, and will advise regarding the best options for wax removal for you.
We remove wax using one of three different methods:
Manual removal
- Suitable for small build-up of wax near your ear canal entrance.
- Wax is gently removed using tools such as a Jobson Horne (a long, thin instrument with a circular loop tip).
Microsuction
- Uses what is effectively a medical suction machine to clear out debris or wax from the ear canal.
- A fine suction tube is gently inserted into the ear canal while being viewed through a magnifying headset.
Water irrigation
- More gentle, effective and safer than previous ‘syringing’.
- Low-pressure water at body temperature (37°C) flushes out wax in the ear canal.
What is ear wax?
Ear wax (or cerumen) is a natural product produced by your ears. It is made up of three main components:
- Old skin cells
- Dust and debris
- Oily secretions from modified sweat glands
Ear wax forms an important part of the ear’s natural defence system because it has certain antibacterial agents which help to prevent infections. As it is sticky and moist, it not only helps to moisturise the skin in your ears but also helps to trap foreign bodies and dust. Ear wax slowly works its way out of your ear, making our ears self-cleaning!
When does ear wax become a problem?
A little ear wax is perfectly normal and healthy. However, occasionally ear wax can block your ears. This usually occurs when it has been pushed into the ear canal by a person attempting to remove it themselves. Commonly this is done by cotton buds, hairpins, paper clips or other items people use to try and remove wax.
The most recognisable symptoms of excessive ear wax are:
- Partial or total hearing loss
- Itching
- Fullness
- Ringing
- Dizziness
- Occasionally pain
Ear wax should only ever be removed by a fully-trained professional. The ear is an incredibly sensitive organ and the slightest slip can cause long-term damage, so attempting to remove it yourself is not recommended.
All of our experienced audiologists use the latest technology to analyse your hearing and to accurately assess your needs. This includes removing any wax that may be obstructing your ear canal.
FAQs about ear wax removal
Absolutely not. Our ear wax removal procedures are designed to be gentle and pain-free. Whether you have manual removal, microsuction or water irrigation, our highly trained specialists ensure your comfort throughout the process. You'll experience relief without any discomfort.
After your ear wax removal, you may experience some temporary discomfort or a slight ringing in your ears (tinnitus). This is completely normal and should subside within a day or two. However, individual experiences may vary. If you continue to experience tinnitus or any discomfort, don't hesitate to contact us.
The best method for ear wax removal is different for each individual. It will depend on your needs. At our branches, our clinicians assess your situation to recommend the most suitable method. Considering factors like wax build-up level and earwax condition and position, they ensure your safety and the effectiveness of treatment.
Ear wax removal appointments typically take around 30 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to your day. The wax removal procedure itself should not take more than 15 minutes.
During the appointment, our expert clinicians will carefully assess your ears and discuss the best method for removal, whether it's microsuction, manual removal or irrigation. The actual removal process itself usually takes just a few minutes per ear.
The frequency of ear wax removal varies from person to person. Factors like wax build-up, individual ear anatomy, and lifestyle choices all play a role. Generally, we recommend having your ears checked at least once a year by a qualified professional.
However, some individuals may require more frequent removal due to factors like excessive wax production or specific medical conditions.
While it's tempting to tackle ear wax at home, it's crucial to proceed with caution. Home removal methods like cotton swabs can actually push wax deeper, risking damage to your ears or infection. Leave it to the professionals. We offer safe and effective ear wax removal services tailored to your situation.