Microsuction
The method most ENT clinics now prefer. Wax is drawn out with gentle medical suction while we watch the ear canal throughout. No water is used.
What we do
Simple, careful ear wax removal
Haven is a small clinic, not a high-street chain. You see one clinician, in one quiet room. We look first, explain what we can see, and only treat if it is safe.
Electronic irrigation
The modern, controlled version of “syringing”. Warm water is used at a safe pressure — not the old metal syringe, which UK guidance no longer supports.
Home visits
If getting to clinic is difficult, we can visit you at home by arrangement. Same examination, same equipment, a little more time.
The gap we fill
Ear syringing left the NHS. The problem did not.
Ear wax removal is no longer a core GP service in England. From 2020 it was classed as an “enhanced” extra, and many practices — and some whole local NHS areas — have since stopped offering it. National guidance still says wax that is affecting hearing should be removed in primary or community care. In practice, a lot of people are now told to try olive oil and, if that fails, to go private.
If that is you, you are in the right place. Read the full picture on our NHS changes page, or go straight to booking.
~20 minTypical appointment
No referralBook yourself
£55Both ears, typical fee
16+Adults and older teens
Is it wax?
Common signs of a blockage
Ear wax is normal and useful. It only needs removing when it is stuck and causing trouble, or when a clinician needs a clear view of the eardrum.
- Hearing feels muffled, as if you have a plug in
- A blocked, full or tickly sensation
- Ringing, buzzing or echoing (tinnitus)
- Your own voice sounding loud inside your head
- Hearing aids whistling, or no longer helping as they should
- Mild dizziness, or discomfort after swimming or showering
See a GP or NHS 111 instead if you have severe pain, fever, discharge of pus or blood, sudden deafness, a spinning attack of vertigo, facial weakness, or a recent injury to the ear. Those are not wax-clinic problems.
From booking to clear
How an appointment works
- Soften the wax. Unless we tell you otherwise, use olive oil or pharmacy wax drops 3–4 times a day for 3–5 days before you come. Lie on your side for 5–10 minutes after each dose. Do not use drops if you know you have a hole in the eardrum, or a discharging ear.
- We take a history. A few questions about infections, surgery, grommets, hearing in only one ear, and medicines. You sign a consent form. This is the screening that keeps the procedure safe.
- We look, then treat. Both ears are examined with an otoscope. If there is wax and it is safe to remove, we use microsuction first, or irrigation if that is the better fit. If there is no wax, we charge only the examination fee.
- You go home the same day. Most people drive, work and carry on as normal. Avoid swimming for 24 hours. Hearing often feels brighter immediately.
Straightforward fees
One price for the appointment, not a surprise bill
Both ears
£55
Examination and removal for one or both ears if wax is present. The usual choice.
One ear only
£45
If you already know only one side is blocked.
Home visit
£90
Same treatment at home, by arrangement. Local area only.
If we look and there is no wax that needs removing, you pay £20 for the examination only. Card or cash on the day. Full fee list on the fees page.
Please do this first
Olive oil is not old-fashioned — it is the first step
The NHS still advises olive or almond oil (unless you have a nut allergy) for several days before any removal. It does not “dissolve” wax like a cleaner, but it softens it so treatment is quicker and more comfortable. Hard, dry wax is the usual reason a first appointment cannot finish the job.
Cotton buds, ear candles and home vacuums do not help. Buds push wax further in. Candles can burn. There is no good evidence for the gadgets sold online.