Blocked ears, reduced hearing or a persistent feeling of fullness in the ear can be frustrating, and one of the most common causes is a build-up of earwax.
For many people, earwax clears naturally without requiring any treatment. However, when wax becomes impacted or starts causing symptoms, professional ear wax removal may be appropriate.
At City Dock Pharmacy, our Central London pharmacy clinic provides professional ear health assessments and microsuction ear wax removal for suitable patients. Our clinic is conveniently located near Tower Hill, Tower Bridge, Wapping, the City of London and Canary Wharf.
In this guide, we explain what causes earwax build-up, the symptoms to look out for, how microsuction works, whether you should soften the wax beforehand and when ear symptoms need further medical assessment rather than routine wax removal.
What Is Earwax and Why Do We Have It?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a normal substance produced inside the ear canal.
It plays an important role in protecting the ear. Earwax helps trap dust and small particles, lubricates the skin of the ear canal and contributes to the natural protective environment inside the ear.
In most people, wax gradually moves towards the entrance of the ear canal as the skin naturally migrates outwards. Movements of the jaw during talking and chewing can also help this process.
This means that healthy ears generally do not need to be cleaned internally.
Problems arise when more wax is produced than can naturally clear, when the ear canal is narrow or when objects inserted into the ear push wax further inside.
What Causes Ear Wax Build-Up?
Some people are simply more prone to excessive or impacted earwax than others.
The shape of the ear canal can play a role. A particularly narrow, curved or hairy ear canal can make it more difficult for wax to leave naturally.
People who regularly wear hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones may also experience more problems because devices sitting within the canal can interfere with the natural movement of wax.
Cotton buds are another major culprit.
Although people often use cotton buds because they believe they are cleaning their ears, inserting them into the ear canal can push wax further towards the eardrum. NICE specifically advises adults not to insert small objects such as cotton buds into the ear canal because they can damage the canal or eardrum and push wax further inside.
Previous episodes of impacted wax can also make future problems more likely.
What Are the Symptoms of Ear Wax Build-Up?
Earwax does not necessarily need removing simply because it is visible.
Professional removal becomes more relevant when wax is causing symptoms or preventing the ear from being properly examined.
According to the NHS, earwax build-up can cause hearing loss, earache or a blocked sensation, tinnitus and sometimes vertigo.
One of the classic presentations is a gradual reduction in hearing accompanied by a feeling that the ear is “full” or plugged.
Some patients notice the problem suddenly after swimming or showering. Water can become trapped around existing wax or cause the wax to swell, making the blockage more noticeable.
Others first notice the problem when one ear suddenly appears quieter than the other, conversations become harder to follow or television volume gradually increases.
Itching can occur too, although persistent itching can have other causes and should not automatically be assumed to be wax.
Does Ear Wax Always Need to Be Removed?
No.
Earwax is normal and usually clears itself.
The NHS advises that wax normally falls out naturally and that treatment is generally considered when it builds up and blocks the ear.
NICE recommends offering removal when earwax is contributing to hearing loss or other symptoms, or when it needs to be removed so that the ear can be adequately examined.
That distinction matters.
The goal of professional ear care should not be to produce a completely wax-free ear canal for cosmetic reasons. It should be to identify and appropriately manage problematic wax.
What Is Microsuction Ear Wax Removal?
Microsuction is a professional method of removing earwax using a small suction device while the practitioner directly visualises the ear canal.
Rather than flushing the ear with water, controlled suction is used to remove suitable wax from the canal.
The clinician first examines the ear so they can establish whether wax is actually present and whether the appearance of the ear suggests another problem.
During microsuction, the practitioner works under magnified or direct visualisation and gradually removes the obstruction.
NICE recognises microsuction, electronic ear irrigation and appropriate manual removal as methods that can be used by appropriately trained practitioners with the correct equipment and knowledge of contraindications.
Does Microsuction Hurt?
Microsuction should generally not be painful, although the experience can vary according to the amount, position and consistency of the wax.
The suction equipment can sound surprisingly loud because it is being used inside the ear canal.
Some people also experience unusual sensations as wax is moved or removed.
Cambridge University Hospitals describes microsuction as removal of wax by suction and specialist instruments under visualisation, noting that the suction creates a loud noise but should not normally cause discomfort.
If you experience significant pain during an ear procedure, tell the practitioner immediately.
Earwax can occasionally be very hard, deeply impacted or positioned close to the eardrum, in which case removal may need to be approached more cautiously.
Should I Use Olive Oil Before Microsuction?
Softening hard earwax beforehand can make removal easier in some cases.
The NHS advises people with uncomplicated wax build-up that olive or almond oil drops may be used for several days to help soften the wax, although almond oil should not be used by anyone with an almond allergy.
However, ear drops are not automatically appropriate for everyone.
If you know or suspect you have a perforated eardrum, have undergone certain types of ear surgery, have current ear discharge or have another significant ear condition, get professional advice before putting drops into the ear.
When you book with our clinic, our team can advise whether we recommend softening the wax before your appointment based on the service protocol and your ear history.
Microsuction Versus Ear Irrigation
Microsuction and irrigation are different approaches to earwax removal.
Microsuction removes wax using suction while the practitioner observes the canal.
Electronic ear irrigation uses a controlled flow of water to help remove softened wax.
NICE considers both electronic irrigation and microsuction acceptable methods when performed by suitably trained practitioners with appropriate equipment. It specifically advises against traditional manual syringing.
The best method is not simply whichever sounds newest.
Individual anatomy, medical history, previous ear surgery, the condition of the eardrum and the consistency and position of the wax can all affect which approach is appropriate.
Importantly, NICE has also highlighted that direct comparative evidence between microsuction and irrigation remains limited.
That means claims that one method is universally “the safest” or “the best” for every patient should be treated cautiously.
Can I Remove Ear Wax Myself?
For straightforward wax build-up, wax-softening drops can sometimes allow the ear to clear naturally.
What you should not do is start digging into the ear canal.
Cotton buds, hairpins, keys and similar objects can push the wax deeper and potentially injure the canal or eardrum.
The NHS also states that there is no evidence that ear candles or consumer ear vacuums effectively remove earwax.
If self-care is not improving your symptoms, professional assessment is preferable to repeatedly inserting objects into the ear.
Why Does My Hearing Feel Worse After Using Ear Drops?
Some people notice that their ear temporarily feels more blocked after beginning wax-softening drops.
That does not necessarily mean something has gone wrong.
As hardened wax absorbs liquid and softens, it can temporarily expand or shift within an already restricted canal.
If symptoms become painful, you develop discharge, feel significantly unwell or experience a sudden major change in hearing rather than a gradual blocked sensation, arrange medical assessment rather than assuming the problem is routine wax.
Can Ear Wax Cause Tinnitus?
Yes, impacted earwax can sometimes contribute to tinnitus, which may be experienced as ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ear.
The NHS lists tinnitus among the possible symptoms of earwax build-up.
However, tinnitus has many other causes.
If tinnitus persists after the wax has been removed, affects only one ear, is pulsatile, changes significantly or is causing substantial distress, further assessment may be appropriate. NICE identifies certain forms of persistent tinnitus and associated hearing symptoms as reasons for additional investigation or referral.
Do not assume every episode of tinnitus is caused by wax.
Can Ear Wax Cause Dizziness?
A significant wax blockage can occasionally be associated with dizziness or vertigo, and the NHS includes vertigo among possible symptoms of earwax build-up.
But dizziness has many potential causes.
If you are experiencing severe vertigo, neurological symptoms, repeated episodes or symptoms that continue after the earwax problem has been treated, further medical assessment is important.
An ear-wax appointment should never be used as a substitute for investigating significant unexplained dizziness.
Why Do Earbuds and Hearing Aids Make Wax Worse?
Anything sitting regularly within the entrance of the ear canal can interfere with the natural outward movement of wax.
Hearing aids can also stop wax migrating normally and may themselves become affected by wax.
NICE notes that troublesome earwax is particularly common among older adults and people who use hearing aids or earbud-type earphones.
If you use these devices regularly and experience recurrent wax build-up, periodic ear checks may be worthwhile rather than waiting until hearing becomes substantially affected.
What Happens at an Ear Wax Removal Appointment?
A proper earwax appointment should begin with assessment rather than immediately using suction.
We first need to understand your symptoms and relevant history.
The ears are then examined to determine whether wax is present, whether it appears suitable for removal and whether another abnormality needs attention.
If microsuction is appropriate, the wax is carefully removed under direct visualisation.
Once removal is complete, the canal and eardrum can be reassessed where visible.
This is also valuable because hearing changes are not always caused by wax. If the canal is clear but your hearing remains significantly reduced, you may need further assessment rather than repeated wax treatment.
What If There Isn’t Any Wax?
This is precisely why an ear health assessment matters.
A blocked sensation can be caused by conditions other than wax, including infection, Eustachian tube dysfunction, problems involving the eardrum and other ear conditions.
If your ears are clear, removing nonexistent wax obviously will not solve the problem.
Where the clinical appearance or your symptoms suggest something requiring medical assessment, you should be appropriately signposted rather than having an unnecessary procedure.
When Should Ear Symptoms Be Assessed Urgently?
Not every ear complaint belongs in a routine microsuction appointment.
Seek appropriate medical advice if you have significant ear discharge, marked swelling around the ear, severe or persistent pain, substantial acute hearing change, a foreign object in the ear or feel systemically unwell.
The NHS advises urgent GP or NHS 111 assessment for earache associated with features such as swelling around the ear, fluid coming from the ear or a change in hearing.
Sudden hearing loss is particularly important because it should not automatically be attributed to wax.
If hearing deteriorates suddenly over hours or a few days, prompt assessment is appropriate.
How Often Should You Have Ear Wax Removed?
There is no correct routine interval for everybody.
Some people may require professional earwax removal only once in their lifetime. Others naturally produce more wax or have anatomical factors, hearing aids or recurrent problems that make blockage more common.
The sensible approach is symptom-led rather than automatically booking microsuction every few months.
If you experience recurrent impaction, your clinician or pharmacist can discuss strategies for reducing future build-up where appropriate.
Ear Wax Removal in Central London
For people working or living in Central London, fitting healthcare appointments around work can be difficult.
City Dock Pharmacy provides an ear health and ear wax removal service conveniently located for people around Tower Hill, Tower Bridge, Wapping, Aldgate, the City of London and Canary Wharf.
Because the service operates within a regulated pharmacy environment, patients also have access to broader pharmacy support where appropriate.
Our aim is to provide straightforward clinical assessment rather than treating every blocked-ear complaint as automatically requiring microsuction.
How Much Does Ear Wax Removal Cost?
Our ear wax removal service is £65 for both ears.
We favour transparent pricing so patients know the cost of the service before attending.
The appointment includes assessment of the ears and professional wax removal where the procedure is clinically appropriate.
If your website has a dedicated pricing or booking page, this section should link directly to it. Price-related searches have strong commercial intent, so I would not hide the £65 halfway inside a booking system.
Is £65 for Both Ears Competitive in London?
Price matters, but it should not be the only factor when choosing an earwax removal provider.
You should also consider whether the provider performs an appropriate assessment, whether the person carrying out the procedure has appropriate training, what happens if the symptoms are not caused by wax and whether the clinic has clear clinical governance.
Your £65 both-ears price gives you a strong conversion point, but I would market it as transparent pricing, not “cheap ear wax removal”.
That keeps the positioning clinical rather than bargain-led.
Can I Have Microsuction If I Have Had Ear Surgery?
Previous ear surgery is important information and should always be disclosed before treatment.
Likewise, tell the practitioner if you have a known or suspected perforated eardrum, previous problems with ear irrigation, recent ear infection, current discharge or significant ear pain.
Different earwax removal methods have different precautions and contraindications, which is why history-taking matters.
NICE specifically states that practitioners carrying out earwax removal should understand the contraindications of the method they use.
Can Children Have Ear Wax Removal?
Children require age-appropriate assessment, and not every service that provides adult microsuction is suitable for paediatric patients.
If your child has ear pain, hearing problems or suspected wax, check the age criteria of the clinic before booking.
Children with significant pain, fever, discharge or other symptoms suggestive of infection should receive appropriate clinical assessment rather than simply booking wax removal.
Your website should state your actual minimum age clearly rather than attracting unsuitable bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Is Microsuction the Same as Ear Syringing?
No. Microsuction removes wax using suction under visualisation, whereas traditional ear syringing forced water into the canal. NICE advises against manual syringing and instead recognises modern electronic irrigation, microsuction and appropriate manual removal techniques.
Do I Need to Use Olive Oil Before Microsuction?
It may be beneficial when wax is particularly hard, but the appropriate preparation depends on your ears and the clinic protocol. If you have a history of eardrum perforation, surgery or current discharge, seek advice before using ear drops.
How Long Does Ear Wax Removal Take?
The time required varies according to whether one or both ears are affected and the amount and consistency of wax present. Hard or deeply impacted wax can take longer and may occasionally require further softening rather than aggressive removal.
Will My Hearing Improve Immediately?
If your hearing reduction is being caused primarily by an earwax blockage, you may notice an improvement once the obstruction is removed. If hearing remains reduced despite a clear canal, further investigation may be necessary.
Can I Use Cotton Buds to Prevent Ear Wax?
No. Cotton buds can push wax further inside the canal and potentially cause damage.
Is Ear Wax Removal Safe?
Earwax removal is routinely performed in community healthcare settings, but no procedure is completely without risk. Appropriate assessment, correct equipment and a trained practitioner are important.
Book Ear Wax Removal in London
If your ears feel blocked, your hearing has gradually reduced or you have previously experienced troublesome earwax, a professional ear health assessment can establish whether wax is actually responsible.
At City Dock Pharmacy, we provide microsuction ear wax removal in Central London for £65 for both ears, subject to clinical suitability.
Our location is convenient for people living or working near Tower Hill, Tower Bridge, Wapping, Aldgate, the City of London and Canary Wharf.
Book your ear health appointment today and let us assess the problem properly rather than continuing to struggle with blocked ears at home.