Everyone has earwax - it's normal, natural and necessary.​​Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal to protect and lubricate your ears. It traps dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. It also plays a crucial role in cleaning the ear by helping to remove dead skin cells and other debris.​However, excessive earwax buildup can lead to discomfort and hearing issues - For common symptoms, see the next Q&A.​Interestingly, some people may not experience any symptoms at all—these individuals are considered asymptomatic. Even without noticeable issues, it's still important to address earwax buildup. Sometimes, it only becomes apparent during an ear examination for another reason, and removing the excess wax allows the eardrum to be fully seen and assessed. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis and further investigation.

Sometimes there are no symptoms, but once it builds to a certain level, you may experience:Ear painFeeling of fullness or pressure in the ear​​Blocked sensation (gradual or sudden)Muffled or blocked after a shower​Itching or irritation ​​Slight (or not so slight) hearing lossMuffled hearing​​​Tinnitus (ringing sensation in ears)Vertigo or balance issues​​​​​It could just be wax! You might not have experienced any symptoms but been told by your GP (or a healthcare professional) that you have earwax which needs removing. In which case, we can still help.

Excessive earwax can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Even without symptoms, it may still cause a blockage that obstructs the view of the eardrum, preventing important examinations from being conducted.Removing earwax is essential not only for symptom relief but also for accurate diagnosis. If earwax isn’t the cause of your symptoms, it’s crucial to remove it to rule out other potential issues. A clear view of the eardrum is necessary for further assessment.​An ear fully blocked by wax may also affect hearing which can be very difficult for the person experiencing hearing loss but also those around, in addition to other problems such as reducing the effectiveness of hearing aids, making proper earwax management vital for maintaining optimal hearing health.The impact of hearing loss can lead to social isolation, lower quality of life and increased risks of falls and dementia which is why keeping on top of ear health is so important. Removing excessive and problematic earwax is a key part of that, yet for many, accessing clinic-based services can be a struggle which is why we have focused on building an affordable mobile earwax removal service to help bridge that gap.​Removal of excessive earwax can be a great relief, improve hearing, slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life. access to members on the go.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT:Preparation:Apply olive oil drops to affected ear(s) for 2-3 days prior to appointment if necessary. See FAQ's on how and when to apply it.​​We will provide you with a consent and risks information document for you to read through.Call or jot down any questions you may have and we will be more than happy to answer before we carry out the earwax removal procedure.DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT:We'll take a short history of your symptoms/concerns.​We'll go through the risks, benefit and consent.We'll briefly demonstrate our equipment and technique.We then take before photos and videos of your ear canals.Then it's on to the main event - EARWAX REMOVAL; this will be either by microsuction, irrigation, manual instruments or a combination of all.After the wax has been removed, we check the health of your ear and finish with after photos and videos of your ear canal/s and eardrum/s.  In most cases we will be able to fully clear your ears in one visit. However, sometimes for a number of reasons including if the wax it too impacted (hard) or too deep, we may need to return for a second visit after you have applied more ear drops. We will advice which to use on the day.AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT:Aftercare is as important as preparation:It is very important to keep ears dry for a minimum of 48 hours after the procedure (or 5-7 days after irrigation) to reduce risk of infection.​​Occasionally we will ask for specialist advice from audiologists/ENT consultants as a second opinion if we have any concerns about the health of your ear. If this is the case we will discuss this with you and will pass their findings on to you in an email a few days after your appointment.​​​If you have any concerns after your appointment please get in touch or speak to you local pharmacy or GP.

Many factors can contribute to an excessive earwax buildup, and it may be surprising to see the range of people that can be affected, some of which are listed here:Some people naturally produce more earwax, which can accumulate over timeLots of hair in your ear canals (we're meant to have some hairs in our ear canals, just some have more than others!)Age can also be a factor as earwax tends to become drier and harder, making it more difficult for it to naturally move out of the earWearing hearing aids, earplugs or ear pieces frequently can prevent earwax from exiting the ear, contributing to wax buildup or even compacted/impacted waxInflammation or infection of your ear canal (otitis externa or "swimmer's ear")Certain medical conditions, such as eczema or narrow ear canals, can also increase the likelihood of excessive wax accumulationUsing objects like cotton buds, which can push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages or compacted waxCertain professions can also increase the risk of excessive earwax buildup. For instance, individuals who work in environments with high levels of dust, dirt, or debris—such as construction workers, miners, or factory workersSimilarly, people who frequently use ear protection or headphones, like musicians or industrial workers, may find that these devices can trap earwax, preventing it from naturally exiting the ear canal. This can lead to a buildup over time if not managed properly

The method of earwax removal we choose will depend on several factors, including (but not limited to) your past medical history. Some methods may not be suitable for you for clinical safety reasons. For example, if you’ve ever had a perforated eardrum, we wouldn’t use irrigation, but we could opt for microsuction or manual tools instead.We offer three main methods of earwax removal:Microsuction: This uses a small suction device to gently and effectively remove wax. (See FAQ: “What is Microsuction?” for more details.)Irrigation: A controlled stream of water is used to flush out the wax. (See FAQ: “What is Irrigation?” for more details.)Manual instruments: Specialised tools can be used to carefully manipulate and remove tricky pieces of wax.If a particular method isn’t appropriate from a clinical safety standpoint, it will be ruled out. For the remaining options, each method has its pros and cons.Deciding on the best approach will involve a thorough assessment, a discussion with you, and an informed clinical decision to determine the safest and most effective method, or combination of methods. We are committed to ensuring you are fully informed and involved in the decision-making process.While all these procedures are extremely safe, they are medical procedures and carry some risks. Please refer to our FAQs for more information on the specifics of each method.

Typically between 30-60 minutes.

Just you, our patient! We bring everything we need for the appointment. Ideally there will be a couple of chairs available for us to use, but we are experienced in working in a wide range of environments and can adapt as needed.

In some cases, yes. If you are on anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, we recommend using olive oil drops or spray for at least 3 days before your appointment to soften the wax and make removal more comfortable.For others, it is less crucial. If your wax has been building up for a long time, it may already be dry and hard. While harder wax can sometimes be easier to remove with microsuction, some people may find the process more comfortable if the wax is softened first and for other methods it can be better to have softer wax.If unsure, we generally recommend applying olive oil twice daily for at least 3 days before your appointment.Important: Do not use olive oil if you have an ear infection or a perforated eardrum unless directed by your GP or healthcare professional.We recommend using the spray as it is easier to apply, but both options will work.Olive oil can be bought in any supermarket or pharmacy.Please click here for guidance on how to apply it: https://youtu.be/PNt2OgRX2eU?si=ZVVOnrE3kUx17Qh6Other preparation?We will email a Risks and Consent form and a brief medical history form to the address used for booking. Please take 5–10 minutes to read them carefully to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.If you’re happy to proceed, complete and sign the form at the start of your appointment. Reading it in advance will speed up the process and allow you to prepare any questions, which we’ll be happy to answer before or on the day.

If you are on anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) then yes, ideally twice daily for 3 days to help make it more comfortable for you as the olive oil softens the wax.However, as mentioned in the previous FAQ, this is not always necessary and we are happy to do same day appointments even if you have not had a chance to olive oil.But please remember: Do not use olive oil if you have an ear infection or a perforated eardrum unless directed by your GP or healthcare professional.

icrosuction is safe, effective and one of the NICE-recommended method for earwax removal. Unlike traditional irrigation (syringing) which uses water and may be contraindicated (not advised as a course of treatment) for some people due to its associated risks, microsuction is a dry technique which in essence gently “hoovers” the earwax out of the canal via a gentle tiny suction device using a specialist microscope (endoscope) for precision, reducing the risk of damage to the ear canal or eardrum.​We take before-and-after images and videos of the procedure which we will happily show you (if you're so inclined!) and can provide a detailed report to pass onto your GP if required.(See More FAQ's below for risks of microsuction)

No, it shouldn't be painful, but it can feel a little bit strange having something in your ear. If the wax is very hard/old, and not softened well, it may feel a little uncomfortable as we move it but preparation with olive oil is key to reducing this. It's also very loud which everyone has a different level of tolerance for.If you do find it painful, it may be pressing on a nerve in your ear canal - everyone has nerves sitting in slightly different places. If it's uncomfortable, let us know and we'll adjust our position.

Whilst this is the safest earwax removal procedure, as recommended by NICE, it is still a procedure nonetheless and carries a few risks which we have outlined here:Partial Removal: Sometimes we are unable to remove all of the wax in one appointment and need to arrange a follow up appointment to complete the procedure. This is usually due to harder/deeper wax that needs to be softened more prior to safe removal, but please be assured that this will be free if required.Cough/tickle in throat: Everybody’s nerves sit differently in the ear canal. You may find that you develop a cough or feel a tickle in your throat during the procedure. As soon as the procedure is over (and we are no longer touching your ear) this will stop. Effects from the noise: The suction equipment emits noise that may result in short lived hearing loss, referred to as a temporary threshold shift. If you suffer with tinnitus there is a chance it may exacerbate your symptoms for a short period afterwards, before subsiding and returning to your normal. There is a very rare possibility of causing tinnitus, aggravating pre-existing tinnitus, or leading to irreversible hearing impairment.Dizziness: As microsuction deals with the ear, the procedure can cause temporary dizziness but usually but this usually only lasts a short while.Minor trauma to the ear canal: There is a very small risk that some minor trauma (very small cuts or abrasions from where the wax has adhered to the very thin skin in the ear canal and has come away with it as the wax is removed) may occur. In extremely rare cases the eardrum can perforate.Infection: There is a small risk of infection after microsuction, usually caused when the ear canal subsequently comes into contact with water (which can contain bacteria) which is why following our aftercare guidance of keeping the ears completely dry for 48hours afterwards is so important.

Irrigation, formerly known as ear syringing, is a medical procedure used to remove excess or impacted earwax from the ear canal.It involves introducing a controlled stream of warm (body temperature) water into the ear canal to flush out softened earwax (as opposed to microsuction which is a dry technique and suctions or "hoovers" the earwax out).Irrigation is carried out using a specialised machine that maintains the correct pressure to avoid damaging the ear.Irrigation is not suitable for everyone. For example, individuals with a history of perforated eardrums, ear infections, or certain ear surgeries may need alternative methods like microsuction or manual removal. This will all be discussed at your appointment.

Irrigation is generally painless although some people may find it slightly uncomfortable, or experience an odd sensation. Some may feel a temporary sensation of dizziness which should self-resolve once the procedure has stopped.

As mentioned, any procedure no matter how safe does carry some risks, here are the main ones outlined:Pain or Discomfort: If the procedure is not done correctly or if there are pre-existing conditions like a sensitive ear canal.Infection: Introducing water into the ear can, in rare cases, lead to otitis externa (outer ear infection).Ear Canal Damage: This can occur due to inappropriate technique or excessive water pressure.Perforation of the Eardrum: A small risk, especially if the tympanic membrane is weakened or there are contraindications.Vertigo or Dizziness: Caused by water temperature changes or pressure effects during the procedure.Temporary Hearing Loss: Due to residual water or incomplete removal of wax.Irrigation is unsuitable for patients who have experienced complications with irrigation in the past, those with a history of middle ear infections, particularly in the last 6 weeks, have undergone any ear surgeries (other than grommets if it's been over 18 months since removal and there'e clear written documentation that the eardrum has healed fully), eardrum perforations, or certain structural ear conditions (e.g. mastoid cavities or cleft palate). It’s also avoided for those with an active ear infection or discharge in the past year and in cases of unhealed injuries to the eardrum.

In most cases we will be able to remove all of the wax in a single appointment. On occasion, we may need to ask you to apply more olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops to break up the wax which may have been sitting behind the initial outer softened layer. If you need a second appointment, this is included in the price and we will arrange a convenient time to return.In very rare cases, it may not be possible to remove 100% of the wax. This could be for a number of reasons and we will use our clinical judgement to determine if this is the case and explain to you fully why this is the case with suggested next steps.

It means you won't need earwax removal!You won't be charged the full price. Instead we charge a £35 assessment fee which covers our costs.If you feel your hearing has gradually declined, or you are symptomatic, you can confidently book an appointment with your GP knowing your ears are clear of wax and able to be assessed.We can also carry out a basic hearing test if we feel it would be beneficial.

We can provide you with a report detailing our findings with images and videos which you can take to your GP for follow up.In the meantime, we can also escalate any findings to an audiologist or ENT consultant to review for a second opinion and/or advice which we would pass on to you. (Please be assured the escalation is anonymous - only images and videos of your ear canal would be sent with your consent but none of your personal identifiable details would be shared).

Not necessarily. It's only troublesome wax that needs removing in the first place. Some people benefit from earwax removal regularly, others only occasionally, and some rarely or never need it.Earwax removal isn't only about hearing, though. Troublesome wax can cause itching, discomfort or a blocked feeling, interfere with hearing aids, or prevent us from getting a clear view of the ear. It may also need to be removed before things such as hearing tests or hearing-aid moulds can be carried out.We believe preventative ear care is important too. Removing troublesome wax allows us to properly examine the ear and can sometimes highlight something that needs further assessment, rather than only thinking about our ears once something goes wrong.Our role is to assess your ears, remove earwax where appropriate, and give you honest advice if it doesn't need removing or if wax doesn't appear to be the cause of a problem.

Not necessarily. Earwax can affect hearing, and some people notice a significant improvement once it's removed, but wax isn't always the reason somebody's hearing has changed.Removing the wax clears the ear canal, but it can't improve hearing loss caused by something else. If your hearing doesn't improve as expected, we'll explain what we can see and, where appropriate, recommend a hearing test or signpost you to your GP, audiology or another appropriate service.And earwax removal isn't always about improving hearing. Wax may be causing discomfort, itching or a blocked feeling, interfering with a hearing aid, preventing the ear from being properly examined, or need removing before hearing-aid moulds can be taken.

We can carry out otoscopy (look in ears) of 2 years+Currently we only treat (carry out earwax removal) on 18 years+

Because surprisingly, two ears don't necessarily mean twice the work!Most of what goes into your appointment is exactly the same whether we're treating one ear or two. Travel, equipment, medical history taking, assessment of both ears with the video endoscope and completing the clinical records afterwards remains the same whether it's one ear or two. The treatment time isn't necessarily doubled either. One particularly stubborn ear can take considerably longer than two straightforward ones.For that reason, we charge for the appointment and treatment rather than per ear. If both ears need treating, we'll treat both for the same price.

Quite simply, with a home visit we're bringing the clinic to you.The fee includes the appointment itself, but also our travel time and the time involved in bringing and setting up all the equipment we need to assess and treat you safely in your own home. This can often mean at least doubling time taken per patient. At a clinic, we're already there with everything set up and can see several people in the same location. That makes it less costly for us to provide, so we're able to charge less.Whichever you choose, the standard of assessment and treatment is exactly the same. You're simply choosing whether you'd rather come to us, or have us come to you.

As a small mobile service, we review our pricing from time to time to ensure we can continue providing safe, high-quality care for our patients.As a general rule, we do this annually in March and any changes take effect from April 1st of that year however this is only a guide and not a fixed rule.Any updated pricing applies to new bookings, and we will always confirm the price with you before your appointment.If you have seen us before, we may honour a previous rate for your next visit.

In some care homes, we work alongside trusted partner providers who already support the home in other clinical areas and have identified the need for our service. Where earwax removal is required, they coordinate the service, manage bookings and pricing as agreed with the home, and bring us in to carry out the treatment.They may also assist with administering our consent process on our behalf. All treatment is carried out by us as a specialist earwax removal service.In other care homes, the service is arranged directly with us, either by the care home itself or by residents and their families.This means pricing may differ slightly depending on how the service is arranged. If you’re unsure which applies, we’re always happy to help.

We only offer this service as a private treatment. It is not a service we can offer through the NHS.Typically a GP practice will offer irrigation, if they offer the service at all. Microsuction is not routinely offered by GP practices. Unfortunately NHS provisions have been cut over the years and many GP practices now no longer offer earwax removal services. Whether your practice will offer it or not will depend on where you live, and/or possibly eligibility. For those that do offer a service, there are often long waiting times. Here at The Earwax Ladies we are trying to bridge this gap.

Everyone is busy. Earwax is wonderful stuff but in excess can be a pain - as can finding the time to get it removed. It's something that needs doing but (for some) it's not something we look forward to or particularly want to spend our time doing.Our aim is to try and remove some of the hassle by making our appointments slot into your schedule. No drama, no fuss, just simple earwax removal.Convenience is key. We will come to your home, or workplace (if there's space and privacy to carry out the procedure) at a time which works for you.We will remove your earwax (and can show you before & after images/videos if that's your thing).We pride ourselves on being reliable, professional and competitively priced.

We are always looking to improve our service and hear how we're doing, whether it be suggestions, general feedback or even compliments!Should you wish you share any of the above, you can do this by either sharing your suggestions directly with us, filling in our Complaints, Suggestions and Compliments form or submitting your suggestions in writing via email at hello@earwaxladies.co.ukWe acknowledge, consider and appreciate all suggestions, feedback and compliments.

We are committed to providing the best quality care and service. However, we recognise that sometimes our service may not meet your expectations, and we welcome the chance to hear your concerns and put things right.Here’s what you can expect from us:We’ll Listen: We’ll take the time to understand your concerns fully.We Respond: Together, we’ll create a clear and appropriate action plan while offering support and guidance.We’ll Improve: We’re always keen to learn and improve our service wherever possible. Here’s our process if you have a complaint or concern:Chat With Us First  We encourage you to speak directly with the team member who assisted you. Most concerns can be sorted quickly this way.Make a Formal Complaint  If you'd rather not discuss it informally or the issue hasn't been resolved, simply ask us for a Complaint Form or let us know if you'd like help filling it out.A family member or trusted friend can raise the complaint on your behalf if you prefer. If it involves personal information, we’ll just need your written consent.If you’re still not satisfied, we’ll guide you on how to escalate your complaint further.We’re here to listen, learn, and improve - your feedback is valuable and we take all feedback very seriously so please be assured we are here to make the process as smooth, fair, and straightforward as possible.

Our frontline healthcare experience helps us adapt each appointment to the person in front of us. We are accustomed to supporting people with a wide range of needs, including those who are housebound, bed-bound, disabled or living with reduced mobility, dementia, autism, learning disabilities or sensory sensitivities - as well as anyone who may find attending a clinic or tolerating ear treatment more difficult.We take time to understand how each person communicates, what may cause discomfort or anxiety, and whether a slower pace, additional reassurance, regular pauses or support from a relative, carer or familiar member of staff may help.Our consistent two-person approach is particularly valuable in these situations. One of us can concentrate on the assessment and treatment while the other provides reassurance, practical support and careful observation. With returning patients, we can also become familiar with their individual preferences and support needs.Our wider experience helps us recognise when symptoms or findings may require further assessment by a GP, audiologist or another appropriate service. We always work within the scope of our ear-care service, which does not replace a medical assessment.

When we first established The Earwax Ladies, Gemma was still practising as an HCPC-registered paramedic. Because of the way earwax removal is regulated in England, this meant our service was required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and we completed the full registration process and were registered until 4th September 2026.Gemma has since stepped away from paramedic practice and voluntarily left the HCPC register. As a result, our earwax removal service no longer falls within the same CQC registration requirements.It is an unusual feature of the current regulatory framework. Earwax removal itself is not a regulated profession, and there is no single statutory register that everyone providing earwax removal must join. Training routes and entry requirements can therefore vary between providers. There are, however, established ear-care courses which are specifically designed for, and only accept, healthcare professionals - including the training we undertook.This can create an apparent inconsistency: when earwax removal is provided by certain registered healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and paramedics, CQC registration requirements can apply, whereas someone providing earwax removal outside those registered professions may not be subject to the same requirement.Our healthcare backgrounds have always been central to the service we wanted to provide. We established The Earwax Ladies because we wanted people to have access to earwax removal delivered by people with substantial NHS experience, alongside specific training in ear assessment and wax removal.We originally hoped to retain both Gemma's professional registration and our CQC registration. However, for a small, two-person earwax-removal service, the ongoing financial and administrative cost of maintaining that regulatory structure was significant and ultimately disproportionate to the service we provide.Our change in registration does not change our training, experience or approach to patient care.Between us we have more than 20 years of NHS experience, and our ear-care training includes British Society of Audiology-accredited training and NHS ear-care courses covering otoscopy, microsuction, irrigation and manual instrumentation. We remain fully insured and enhanced DBS checked, and continue to use the same careful clinical processes, record keeping, infection-control procedures and safety standards on which we built the service.In short, our regulatory status has changed. Our experience, training and commitment to providing safe, careful ear care have not.

Drop us an email at hello@earwaxladies.co.uk CAREHOMES: Please use: info@earwaxladies.co.ukorCall, text or whatsapp on 07453 695 136We will do our best to answer your questions.