Pharmacy Services
Ear Wax Removal Service
We offer an ear wax removal service using the latest and safest wax removal methods.
We offer an ear wax removal service using the latest and safest wax removal methods.
Removing ear wax without olive oil or water
The most common reason for hearing loss is ear wax blockage. At Whitworth, we can safely and gently remove obstructions using micro-suction. There’s no need for water or olive oil treatments.
Pop into your local Whitworth Pharmacy to help with your hearing and ear discomfort. It’s quick, easy and very convenient.
The medical name for ear wax is cerumen. It is produced between the eardrum and the outer ear. Little hairs secrete this antibacterial substance which cleans and lubricates the ear. It also helps stop dirt and debris from reaching the inner ear.
Cerumen contains antibacterial agents and plays a vital part in preventing infections in your ears. It also traps dust and other foreign bodies, as well as keeping the skin in your ears moisturised. Small amounts of ear wax are normal and healthy, and it usually works its way out of your ear naturally.
However, ear wax can sometimes block your ear, bringing on symptoms including temporary hearing loss, ringing or itchiness. This is most commonly caused by it being pushed into the ear canal by a cotton bud or similar items people use to try to clean wax from their ears.
The ear is an extremely sensitive and delicate organ, so wax should only ever be removed by a trained, experienced professional – never try it yourself. Fewer and fewer GP surgeries now provide ear wax removal, but our pharmacists are on hand with the highest quality clinical care to help remove any wax that may need removal.
How do we remove ear wax?
Manual ear wax removal is suitable for removing a small amount of wax that has built up near the entrance of your ear canal. A long thin tool with a circular tip may be used to gently lift the wax from the ear.
We mainly use the micro-suction method to remove ear wax.
Microsuction is a relatively new technique but is the cleanest and safest method of wax removal.
Wearing a hospital-grade ENT magnifying microscope, we carefully insert a very thin suction tube into the ear canal. This means we can see your whole ear canal in detail during the procedure.
The tube is connected to what is effectively a vacuum unit, which then draws wax and other debris out of the ear canal.
There is no need for a syringe, water or treating the ear with olive oil before the procedure.
A relaxing environment
When we’re tense, we tend to hold our breath and tighten our muscles. This makes it harder to investigate the ear. At Whitworth, you can feel relaxed and at ease… there will be no white coat in sight – only our friendly pharmacist! We will even play relaxing music in the background!
Frequently asked questions:
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A wax removal appointment with Whitworth Chemists Ltd will cost you £60. We will investigate both ears and remove the wax if necessary. This is irrespective if we need to remove wax from one or both ears.
If you make an advance booking, we will charge a booking fee of £10. If you do not turn up for your appointment, this will not be refunded. If you turn up for your appointment and we remove wax from one or both of your ears, the booking fee will be deducted from the cost.
If you paid a booking fee and there is no wax to be removed, we will refund you the booking fee and may need to refer you to an audiologist for further investigation.
Our clinician will remove any excess ear wax using the micro-suction method. There is no time limit on your consultation and there are no hidden extra costs.
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Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse, the ears are very sensitive.
Manual ear wax removal is suitable for removing a small amount of wax that has built up near the entrance of your ear canal. A long thin tool with a circular tip may be used to gently lift the wax from the ear.
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Symptoms of earwax build-up include:
hearing loss
earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked
ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
If you’re struggling with your hearing or your ears are feeling blocked don’t try and remove the wax yourself, the ears are sensitive, and it can cause further problems. Speak to your local Whitworth pharmacy to see how we can help.