FAQs
What is Microsuction?
Microsuction is now seen as the gold standard of ear wax removal. It is the safest and most effect way to rid your ears of problematic wax. Using a fine suction tip under the precision of microscopic eyewear, we are able to remove stubborn wax, leaving the delicate structures of the ear canal unharmed.
Does microsuction hurt?
The machine can be a little loud, but it should be a pain free procedure. the precision of your highly skilled ear care professional means you can sit back, relax and walk away being able to hear clearly once again.
Using olive oil ear drops to your affected ears for a week prior to your appointment will make the wax softer, and more comfortable to remove, which we would recommend doing.
Do I have to pay for wax removal?
This service is no longer available on the NHS and is now a private procedure, so you will need to cover the cost of the treatment. Your comfort and hearing is worth it though! You can pay with cash or card.
How long does wax removal take?
This depends on how much wax there is, how long it has been there, how far into the ear canal it is, and your individual shape of your ear canal. The procedure itself will usually only take a few minutes per ear. If however, it is particularly stubborn, we may administer ear drops to soften the wax, and try manual removal of the wax using a special tool. In more complex cases this could take 45 minutes in total for your whole appointment.
If we cannot remove all of your wax on the first visit we will get you back again in 2 weeks after you have administered olive oil ear drops, the second visit is free. If further visits are needed to remove stubborn wax after this, they will incur a charge of £25 per appointment.
What are the symptoms of a blocked ear?
When a patients ears are blocked, they may suffer many different symptoms, including hearing loss, or feel a sense of being 'blocked' on the effected side. Some people feel physical pain, the blockage can exacerbate the symptoms of tinnitus, or make the person talk louder than usual. If you wear hearing aids you could be hearing a whistling in your ears. Symptoms vary from person to person, and can be quite unpleasant. Symptoms caused by ear wax will stop once the wax is removed.
Is microsuction safe?
Microsuction is deemed to be safer than syringing for wax removal. This is down to the fact that syringing is an aggressive procedure pumping water into the ear, and could result in damage to the ear drum. Microsuction, is different. Using a fine ended suction tip, to slowly break down and work away at the wax until it is removed, this reduces the risk of injury and infection during and post-procedure.
All clinical procedures carry a slight risk, but this is why you are coming to a highly trained medical professional for your treatment. Your initial assessment includes a medical questionnaire to highlight any risk factors and make sure this is the correct treatment for you. The powerful microscopic eyewear your ear care specialist will be wearing enables them to have full visibility of your ear canal at all time, meaning you're in safe hands!
Why have you moved?
You may know us as 'The ear clinic in Budleigh' we have however, now moved to Newton Poppleford. We decided to make this move so we had better parking, were easier to find and were also on a main bus route so those who don't have transport can still get to us. It has also enabled us to grow the clinic, we now have three treatment rooms and a separate reception/waiting room. The view was a main decider in where we went, so you will now be looking out onto fields & ponies whilst you enjoy your treatment!
How often do I need microsuction?
Every person is different so there really is no hard and fast rule. Generally speaking, hearing aid wearers tend to need microsuction around every 6-8 months to keep canals clear of wax and their aids working at the optimum levels. Those with in-ear skin conditions sometimes need ears cleaning every 6-12 weeks. Most opt for annual ear health checks. We would also recommend having your ears checked for a wax build up 2-3 weeks prior to a holiday abroad if you are prone to impactions, in our experience having a wax impaction/ getting water stuck in behind it whilst away can ruin your break!
Do you treat children?
We are able to treat children over the age of 7. Those aged 4-7 would be assessed on a case by case basis, please call to discuss prior to booking. Those below 7 if deemed unable to proceed, We would guide you back to the GP for assessment and/or referral to the paediatric ENT department/ audiology to be seen by a specialist consultant.
Ultimately, We need to gain patient consent and for the child to remain still during the procedure. Whilst microsuction does not hurt, it can tickle which makes some children want to move their head, it is also slightly noisy.
Are you regulated?
Yes, we have proudly obtained CQC (Care Quality Commission) regulation.
What if I have a complaint?
We follow our complaints policy procedure and guidelines. If you have a complaint, recommendation or would like to provide feedback, please email us at info@theearwaxclinic.org for any urgent enquiries call us on 07395881157. A copy of our procedure is available on request.
Where are you located?
We have two clinic locations. Our main site is located within Pebble Brook Clinic, Newton Poppleford, EX10 0BJ with free parking right outside. Our second clinic location is in Torbay Footcare, 9 Dendy Road, Torbay, TQ4 5DB, with on street parking. You can book both of these online here
Do the NHS do ear wax removal?
As the NHS no longer offers routine ear wax removal, The Ear Wax Clinic is a vital service. In 2019 the funding for community ear care and ear wax removal was reduced, meaning that most GP practices no longer offer this service. You are able to book in with The Ear Wax Clinic, at either our Newton Poppleford, Exeter, Devon Location or our Paignton Clinic location in Torbay. You can Book In here.
How much does it cost to remove ear wax?
Consultation Fee: £30
Ear microsuction for both ears: £50
Ear Microsuction for two ears: £65
Home visits: From £90
We offer wax removal clinics in Exeter and Torbay.
How long does olive oil take to remove wax?
Olive oil is great for maintenance, However, when you have a blockage, olive oil drops alone are not going to resolve the issue, that's where we come in. We remove wax using gold standard microsuction ear wax removal which is fast, efficient and painless.
Still have questions?