An ear wax removal appointment at the doctor typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, including a check-up, but can sometimes be quicker or require a follow-up depending on the wax buildup's severity, with some clinics scheduling up to 45 minutes to be safe. The procedure itself, often using microsuction, can be just a few minutes, but the total time covers assessment, cleaning, and potentially further testing, providing immediate relief.
The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the buildup and your comfort level. If you have a lot of earwax, the doctor may take longer to remove it. The doctor will clean out your ears with solutions and then use an instrument called an auriscope to look inside your ear canal.
Ear syringing is a very common practice among general practitioners (GPs). It is used by many as the treatment of choice for cerumen (ear wax), and is usually effective and safe.
Earwax removal usually is done in the doctor's office. There might be a little discomfort but it isn't painful. If a child can't sit still or cooperate, the doctor can remove it in an operating room while the child is under general anesthesia.
Yes, earwax removal is generally safe during pregnancy, with professional methods like microsuction, irrigation, and softening drops (like Waxsol or Otex, after checking with a doctor) being effective and safe options, but always inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy so they can ensure the most comfortable and appropriate treatment for you, as traditional home remedies like cotton buds are discouraged.
GP surgery treatment to remove earwax
Some can: flush the wax out with water (electronic ear irrigation) suck the wax out (microsuction) scrape the wax out using a very small device.
Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
Professional ear cleaning is needed if your ears have an overproduction of ear wax which has led to earwax impaction, itchiness, pain, or discomfort.
If you have symptoms of impacted earwax, your healthcare provider will likely advise some kind of treatment. If you don't have any symptoms, your provider likely won't advise treatment, unless you need an ear exam for other reasons. Often the earwax goes away on its own with time.
While most people feel a sense of relief once the wax is removed, it's not uncommon to experience dizziness for a short time afterwards. This can happen because the ear plays such an important role in balance, and even small changes during the removal process can affect how you feel.
If your ears are naturally prone to produce excessive wax then a quarterly appointment is likely to be needed. If you have certain medical conditions then this might affect how often it is recommended you have your ears professionally cleaned.
Our £60 microsuction earwax removal service is safe, effective, and provided by trained experts. If no wax is found, we perform a full ear health check for just £25. Book online today!
Diagnosing earwax build up
Your GP or practice nurse will look inside your ears to check if they're blocked. They might carry out some simple hearing tests.
Yes. When wax creates a blockage, it can cause temporary hearing loss because sound can't travel well through the ear canal. Once the wax is removed, hearing often improves.
Aftercare & Precautions
Dry earwax is not as effective as wet earwax in trapping foreign particles and is more likely to cause blockages in the ear canal.
A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Orange - older wax with some debris (e.g. dead skin or similar). Brown - old wax that has started to oxidate. Black - old, impacted ear wax. Green - a sign of infection.
Ear wax removal costs typically range from $70 to over $160, depending on the provider (audiologist, specialist), method (microsuction, manual), location, and if you have concessions or health insurance. Audiologists using microsuction often charge around $100-$110, while ENT specialists might cost $150-$300. Some places offer lower fees for pensioners or if no wax is found.
If you're still wondering if ear wax removal is painful? the answer is no. It's a safe and effective treatment that's done in around half an hour, and it doesn't require any special medication or anaesthesia to deal with pain or discomfort. In fact, you'll hardly feel anything at all.
Chewing, talking and regular bathing is often enough to move earwax up and out of the ear. Usually, earwax gets rinsed away in the shower without you knowing it's happening. But it's possible – and totally normal – for earwax to come out in balls, clumps or lumps. The bigger problem is when earwax stays in your ears.
The equipment used during ear wax removal does generate some noise, which some find to be very loud. In minimal cases, this can cause temporary short lived hearing loss, known as a temporary threshold shift. This occasionally happens when tiny muscles contract to protect the ear against noise.
Untreated earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in your ear, dizziness, ringing in your ears and other issues.
But sometimes it's not wax
These could be signs of a middle ear infection, fluid behind the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or even early hearing loss. That's why it's so important to have your ears looked at properly.
Earwax removal by a healthcare professional
When too much wax builds up in the ear, a healthcare professional can remove it with a small, curved tool called a curet.