Microsuction Ear Wax Removal · London · Eastcote · Brentwood
Ear Wax Removal By Expert Audiologists
Gentle, water-free microsuction — the safest, cleanest way to remove ear wax — carried out under a microscope by a HCPC-registered audiologist. No syringing, no mess, and you can usually be seen the same day.
From £70 · appointments around 30 minutes · three clinics across London & Essex.
London · Eastcote · Brentwood — find your clinic- From £70 per appointment
- ~30-minute appointment
- Same-day where possible
- No referral needed
The modern way to clear ear wax
What Is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal?
Microsuction is a gentle, water-free procedure that removes ear wax using a fine, low-pressure suction device, while your audiologist views inside the ear canal under a microscope.
Because the audiologist can see exactly what they are doing throughout, microsuction is widely regarded as the safest and most comfortable method of ear wax removal — and the modern alternative to old-fashioned ear syringing and ear irrigation, which flush the ear with water. Nothing is pushed deeper, no water is introduced into the canal, and most patients are surprised by how quick and painless it is.
At VIP Hearing Solutions, every ear cleaning appointment is carried out by a HCPC-registered audiologist — not a technician — so if anything else needs attention, such as an infection or a hearing concern, you are already in expert clinical hands. It is professional ear wax removal done properly, and you can usually be seen the same day.
When to book
Signs You May Have a Build-Up of Ear Wax
Ear wax is healthy and self-cleaning — but sometimes it builds up and blocks the canal. These are the most common signs it is time for professional ear wax removal.
Muffled or reduced hearing
Sounds seem dull or distant, or it feels as though your ear is plugged with cotton wool — often the first and most obvious sign.
A feeling of fullness
A persistent blocked or "clogged" sensation — sometimes in one ear, sometimes both — that just will not clear on its own.
Ringing or tinnitus
A build-up against the eardrum can cause or worsen ringing, buzzing or whooshing sounds in the ear.
Earache or discomfort
Pressure, mild pain or an itchy, irritated feeling deep in the ear can all point to wax pressing on the canal.
Dizziness or imbalance
Occasionally a heavy wax blockage can affect your balance or leave you feeling slightly off-centre.
Whistling hearing aids
If you wear hearing aids, wax build-up is a common cause of feedback "whistling" and reduced performance.
If you have sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, please contact your GP — these may need different care.
What to expect
Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment, Step by Step
The whole appointment takes around 30 minutes, and most patients walk out hearing clearly straight away.
- A look inside with otoscopyYour audiologist examines each ear canal and eardrum with an otoscope to confirm there is wax present, how much, and where it is sitting.
- Gentle microsuctionUsing a microscope for a clear, magnified view, your audiologist removes the wax with a fine, low-pressure suction device. You will hear a gentle whooshing sound — it is quick and rarely uncomfortable.
- A final check & adviceWe re-examine the canal to confirm it is clear, talk through what we found, and give you simple advice to help prevent it building up again.
Stubborn wax? Your re-check is free
Very hard or impacted wax occasionally needs a little softening first. If we cannot fully clear your ears in one visit, we will see you again to finish the job at no extra charge — you only pay once.
Clear, honest pricing
How Much Does Ear Wax Removal Cost?
Microsuction ear wax removal at VIP Hearing Solutions starts from £70. The price covers the full appointment — otoscopy, removal of wax from one or both ears, and a final check — carried out by a HCPC-registered audiologist. The exact price depends on which clinic you visit.
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
One price covers the full appointment — otoscopy, removal from one or both ears, and a final check by a HCPC-registered audiologist. The exact price depends on your clinic:
- London — Wimpole Street£80
- Eastcote — Field End Road£80
- Brentwood — Ongar Road£70
- Free re-check if not fully cleared first time
How the methods compare
Microsuction vs Ear Syringing vs Ear Drops
There is more than one way to remove ear wax. Here is how the main options compare — and why most clinicians now recommend microsuction.
Microsuction
Water-free suction performed under a microscope, so the clinician sees the canal throughout. Gentle, fast, very low risk, and suitable for most people — including those with a perforated eardrum or a history of ear surgery. This is what we use.
Ear Syringing / Irrigation
Flushes the ear with pressurised water. Effective for some, but the clinician cannot see during the flush, it is messier, and it is not advised for perforated eardrums, recent surgery or a history of ear infections. Many GP surgeries have phased it out.
Ear Drops
Olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops can soften light wax and sometimes clear it naturally. Helpful in the run-up to an appointment, but they rarely shift a true blockage on their own — and they cannot remove wax that is already impacted.
Please don't
Why You Should Never Use Cotton Buds
It is tempting, but pushing a cotton bud into the ear canal usually does the opposite of what you intend: it pushes most of the wax deeper, packing it harder against the eardrum and making a blockage worse — and it risks scratching the delicate canal skin or damaging the eardrum itself.
The ear is designed to clean itself. Wax naturally migrates outward and falls away on its own. When it does not, the safe answer is not a cotton bud, an ear candle or a hair grip — it is a quick, professional microsuction appointment with an audiologist who can see exactly what they are doing.
Ear candling is not recommended either — there is no good evidence it removes wax, and it carries a real risk of burns and dripped wax in the canal. If your ears feel blocked, book a microsuction appointment instead.
Your audiology team
The HCPC-Registered Audiologists Who'll Care for Your Ears
Ear wax removal at VIP Hearing Solutions is always carried out by a named, HCPC-registered audiologist — never a technician. Whichever clinic you visit, you're in expert clinical hands.
Nick Clive
Chief of Audiology
Practising since 1999, with 16+ years in the Harley Street medical district. London · Eastcote · Brentwood.
- HCPC HAD00170
- RHAD
- MSHAA
Mo Khan
Deputy Chief of Audiology
A HCPC-registered audiologist for the best part of a decade in the Harley Street medical district. London · Brentwood.
- HCPC HAD03074
- MSHAA
- MSc
Tim Johnson
Audiologist
MSc Audiological Science (UCL); expert in all methods of ear wax removal. London · Eastcote · Brentwood.
- HCPC HAD004892
- MSc
Ewa Kozlowska
Senior Audiologist
In hearing care since 2014; an expert in all ear wax removal methods. Eastcote.
- HCPC HAD02644
Agnieszka Blasiak
Hearing Aid Audiologist
Foundation Degree in Audiology; day-to-day patient care and aftercare. London · Eastcote.
- HCPC HAD005650
Ear wax removal near you
Where to Get Ear Wax Removal
We offer microsuction at three clinics across London and Essex, with dedicated pages for each area. Choose your nearest, or call to book.
Clinically reviewed
Ear Care You Can Trust
Ear wax removal is a clinical procedure, and it should always be carried out by a registered professional. Every microsuction appointment at VIP Hearing Solutions is performed by a clinician registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK's statutory regulator for hearing aid dispensers.
Common questions
Ear Wax Removal — Your Questions Answered
How much does ear wax removal cost?
Microsuction ear wax removal costs £80 at our London (Wimpole Street) and Eastcote clinics, and £70 at our Brentwood clinic. The price covers the full appointment — otoscopy, removal from one or both ears, and a final check — and includes a free re-check if the wax isn't fully cleared first time.
Is microsuction ear wax removal painful?
No. Microsuction is gentle and most patients find it completely comfortable. You will hear a whooshing sound as the wax is removed, but there is no pressure, no water and no mess. It is far more comfortable than old-fashioned ear syringing.
How long does an ear wax removal appointment take?
Around 30 minutes. That includes a careful look in the ear with an otoscope, the microsuction itself, and a final check to confirm the canal is clear. Most patients hear clearly again straight away.
What is microsuction and how is it different from ear syringing?
Microsuction uses gentle, water-free suction while the audiologist views the ear canal under a microscope — so they can see exactly what they are doing throughout. Ear syringing (or irrigation) flushes the ear with water and is done "blind." Microsuction is cleaner, lower-risk and suitable for more people, which is why it is now the preferred method.
Can I be seen the same day?
Often, yes — we offer same-day appointments where possible, and otherwise within the same week. Call your nearest clinic and we will find you the earliest slot.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can book directly with us — no GP referral is needed for ear wax removal at any of our clinics.
Do I need to use ear drops before my appointment?
It can help but is not essential. Putting a little olive oil in the ear for two or three days beforehand softens the wax and can make removal quicker — but if you forget, we can usually still clear it. If wax is very hard, we may soften it and finish at a free follow-up.
What happens if my wax can't be removed in one visit?
Very impacted wax occasionally needs softening first. If we cannot fully clear your ears in one appointment, we will see you again to finish at no extra charge — you only pay once.
Is microsuction safe if I have a perforated eardrum?
Yes — microsuction is generally the recommended method if you have a perforation, grommets or a history of ear surgery, precisely because no water is introduced into the ear. Let us know your history when you book and your audiologist will take it into account.
How often should I have my ears cleared?
It varies. Some people never need it; others who produce a lot of wax, wear hearing aids, or use ear plugs may benefit every 6–12 months. Your audiologist will advise what is right for you.
Should I use cotton buds to clean my ears?
No. Cotton buds tend to push wax deeper and can damage the canal or eardrum. The ear is self-cleaning; when wax does build up, professional microsuction is the safe way to remove it.
Can you remove ear wax if I wear hearing aids?
Yes — and it is worth keeping on top of, because wax build-up is a common cause of hearing aids whistling or sounding weak. We can remove the wax and check your aids at the same visit. See our hearing aids and hearing aid repairs pages.
Do you remove ear wax from children?
Our ear wax removal service is for patients aged 16 and over — we do not offer paediatric audiology. For younger children, please speak to your GP.
Where can I get ear wax removal near me?
We have three clinics: London (Wimpole Street), Eastcote and Brentwood, also serving Pinner, Ruislip, Shenfield and the surrounding areas. Choose your nearest above, or call us to book.
In our patients' words
What Our Patients Say
Live Google reviews from VIP Hearing Solutions patients across all three clinics.
Book ear wax removal
Hear Clearly Again — Often the Same Day
From £70 · gentle microsuction · ~30-minute appointment · free re-check if not fully cleared. Call the clinic most convenient for you.