Private Earwax Removal
With NHS waiting times for ear wax removal on the rise, more and more people are looking for private ear wax removal – we will show you where you can get private ear wax removal , the cost of private earwax removal and which is the safest method later in this article. To jump forward to the relevant section, you can click on one of the following links:
Long NHS Waiting Lists
The most common method of earwax removal in the NHS is irrigation (also known as “syringing”). A practice nurse will typically recommend the application of olive oil for two weeks prior to carrying out the procedure, and it isn’t always successful on the first attempt, meaning it can take between 2 – 4 weeks before the earwax blockage is cleared. However, there is a known level of risk associated with NHS or private ear syringing – potential complications of ear irrigation include:
- failure to remove the earwax on the first or subsequent attempt
- external ear infection
- middle ear infection
- perforation of the eardrum
- damage to the ear canal
- pain
- hearing loss
- vertigo
- onset or aggravation of tinnitus
(source http://www.bmj.com/content/325/7354/27)
With this extensive list of potential complications, many NHS surgeries are withdrawing ear wax irrigation as a service and instead are referring patients straight to the local hospital’s ENT department for microsuction, the safest method of ear wax removal. The consequence of this increased number of referrals, though, is that waiting times for NHS ear microsuction has increased to 12 weeks or more in many ENT departments.
A Safer Method of Private Earwax Removal
Microsuction is a far safer method of earwax removal compared to irrigation or syringing, and is considered the safest method of removing ear wax. In a microsuction procedure, the practitioner uses a medical suction pump with a 2mm suction wand that is specially designed to fit into the ear canal. The practitioner uses either an operating microscope, surgical loupes or a video endoscope to see inside the ear canal while performing the procedure.
Why Microsuction Is The Safest Method of Private Earwax Removal
This procedure is safer because:
- The microsuction procedure uses suction instead of flushing the ear with water
- The suction is directed precisely to where the earwax blockage is
- The suction wands are sterile
- The practitioner can see inside the ear before and more importantly during the procedure
Where To Get Private Earwax Removal
We have a network of private ear wax removal clinics, which you can find by following the link here.
Private Earwax Removal Cost
The cost of private earwax removal can vary by location, method and whether it is an out of hours appointment. Some locations run by other organisations in Central London charge £65 to £80 per ear. At the Microsuction Earwax Removal Network, we try to keep the cost of private earwax removal low, while keeping our standards high. As a result, within London you can expect to pay between £70 and £80 for both ears, or £60 for both ears outside of London. The price for one ear ranges from £40 to £55 depending on the location. The reason for higher prices in London is due to higher clinic rental charges in and around the M25.
To find the best price for private ear wax removal near your location, click here.