Not long ago, having your ears “syringed” at the GP surgery was routine. Today, many people are surprised to find their practice no longer offers ear wax removal. Here’s why, and what you can do instead.
What’s changed?
Ear wax removal isn’t one of the core services GP practices are required to provide, so whether it’s offered depends on your practice and on how services are arranged in your area. Over recent years many practices have stopped providing it, often because of pressure on appointments and staff time.
The traditional metal ear syringe has also largely been retired because of the risk of injury to the ear. Where ear wax removal is still offered, it’s usually by electronic irrigation or microsuction, which need specialist equipment and training.
What your GP may suggest
If you contact your practice about blocked ears, you’ll often be advised to:
- use ear drops, such as olive oil, for a few days to soften the wax (see our guide to using olive oil drops)
- see whether the wax clears on its own
- if it doesn’t, look for a local ear wax removal service, which may be private
You should still contact your GP or NHS 111 if you have ear pain with a high temperature, discharge from the ear, sudden hearing loss, or symptoms in only one ear that don’t settle, as these need a medical assessment.
Why this matters
Blocked ears can be more than a nuisance. Muffled hearing can make conversations tiring, affect confidence and leave people feeling left out, especially older people or anyone who already wears hearing aids, as wax can stop hearing aids working properly. That’s why quick, easy access to safe ear wax removal matters.
Your options with Hearwell
We started Hearwell because access to ear care can be difficult when GP practices no longer offer microsuction. We provide professional microsuction ear wax removal:
- at home: we visit homes, workplaces and care homes across every LE postcode
- at our Wigston clinic: by arrangement at Honeycomb Health Clinic, 31 Long Street, Wigston, LE18 2BP
Every appointment is carried out by an HCPC-registered Audiologist with more than 10 years of NHS experience. Ear wax removal is £45 for one ear or £70 for both (see full details).