Same-week clinic
Professional ear wax removal in Urmston
Blocked ears, muffled hearing, ringing, itching or that uncomfortable full-up feeling? Our Urmston clinic runs every week with three NHS-recognised techniques: microsuction, electronic irrigation and manual instrument removal. The pharmacist picks the gentlest method on the day.
Pricing
£50 one ear
£70 both ears
All three techniques included for the same price. No-wax fee £25.
The three removal techniques
Microsuction
A gentle medical suction device used under bright magnification. The pharmacist sees inside the canal at every moment so we know exactly what we are doing. It is dry, fast and works even on stubborn impacted wax that water cannot reach. Microsuction is the only safe method for patients with a perforated drum, grommets or a history of ear surgery.
Ideal for
Hard, dry, impacted wax; perforated eardrums; grommets; recurrent infections; hearing aid users.
Electronic irrigation
A controlled jet of warm water flushed gently into the canal at low pressure to float wax out. We never use the old metal syringes. Best for softer wax and patients who find suction noisy. We pre-treat with olive oil drops where the wax is firm.
Ideal for
Softer wax; patients who dislike the sound of suction; large amounts of wax across both ears.
Manual instrument removal
Tiny stainless-steel instruments used under magnification to lift wax out without water or suction. Quiet and very precise for surface wax sitting just inside the canal.
Ideal for
Small or fragmented wax close to the canal entrance; patients with low tolerance for noise; finishing touches after suction.
Transparent pricing
One ear
£50
Full consultation, otoscopy, removal and aftercare advice. About fifteen minutes.
Both ears
£70
Same as above, both sides. About twenty-five minutes total.
No-wax fee
£25
If the pharmacist examines you and finds no wax needs removing, you pay a reduced fee for the assessment time only.
Preparing for your appointment
Soften the wax for three to five days
Use plain olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops two to three times a day for several days before your appointment. This makes any method faster, gentler and more thorough.
Skip cotton buds
Cotton buds push wax deeper and the cotton can irritate the canal lining. The canal is self-cleaning; just leave it alone.
Tell us if you take blood thinners
Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban and clopidogrel are fine for microsuction but we may avoid manual instruments in case of bleeding. Bring a current medication list.
Mention any ear surgery
Past grommets, perforations, mastoid surgery or radiotherapy to the head change the choice of method. Tell the pharmacist when you book.
What happens in the clinic
Health check
A quick chat about symptoms, medication and ear history.
Look inside both ears
Otoscopy to see what is there before we touch anything.
Choose the safest method
Microsuction, irrigation or manual - or sometimes a combination.
Removal
You sit upright in the consultation chair. Most ears clear within five to ten minutes.
Recheck and aftercare
We look again to confirm the canal is clear, then talk you through preventing the wax coming back.
Aftercare
Keep the ears dry for twenty-four hours. Avoid earphones and cotton buds. If you still cannot hear, have new pain, vertigo or any discharge, ring the pharmacy the same day. Most people leave hearing better immediately, but a small percentage of canals are inflamed and need a follow-up.
Safety standards
Our pharmacists complete formal microsuction and irrigation training and refresh their certification every two years. We use single-use suction tips and tympanic disposable specula so there is no risk of cross-contamination. All equipment is maintained on a documented schedule.
When we postpone or refer on
We will postpone or refer on if you have an active outer ear infection, very painful ear, severe vertigo, recent ear surgery within twelve weeks, or a current cold with congestion that is closing the canal.
Frequently asked questions
Does ear wax removal hurt?
No. There is sometimes a strange echoing sensation with microsuction or a flutter with irrigation but neither hurts. Pain during the procedure means we stop and reassess.
How long does the appointment take?
Fifteen minutes for one ear, around twenty-five for both. Add five minutes if you have not pre-softened with oil.
How long do I need to use olive oil first?
Three to five days, two to three drops two to three times a day. Lying on your side with the affected ear up helps.
Can I drive afterwards?
Yes. There is no sedation or local anaesthetic and your hearing usually feels better straight away.
Will my GP do this for free on the NHS?
Some Urmston GP practices still offer it, but most have stopped because NHS England decommissioned the routine service. We are the local private alternative at £50 to £70.
How often should I have my ears cleared?
Most adults need it every twelve to twenty-four months. Hearing-aid users tend to need it more often, sometimes every six months.
Are hearing aid moulds inspected at the same time?
Yes, we can clean and inspect domes and moulds at no extra charge.
Do I need to bring anything?
A list of current medication is helpful but not essential. Bring your hearing aid case if you wear one.
Is microsuction noisy?
The suction is about as loud as a hairdryer at the ear. It sounds louder than it is because of how close the device sits to the drum. We can pause at any time.
I have a perforated eardrum - can I still have my wax removed?
Yes, microsuction is the only safe technique for you and is what we use as default for perforated drums.
What about grommets?
Same answer - microsuction is fine, irrigation is not.
Can children have it?
We see children from six years old at the pharmacist's discretion. Under six, we refer to the GP or to a paediatric ENT service.
How quickly can I be seen in Urmston?
Usually within the same week. Saturdays fill up first; mid-week morning slots are the easiest to book.
What if both ears need different methods?
No problem. The pharmacist switches between microsuction, irrigation and manual instruments as needed within the same appointment, at the same price.
Why patients choose us
GPhC-registered pharmacist
Procedure performed by a pharmacist on the GPhC register with formal otoscopy and microsuction training.
Same-week appointments
Booking online usually shows availability within seven days, often the next day.
Three techniques in one room
No referrals out for the wrong wax - we choose the right tool on the day.
Hundreds of ears cleared
The same team that runs the busy Altrincham ear wax clinic now operates an extra session in Urmston.