Ear wax removal: an unregulated landscape and popular side hustle amongst "non-experts" Dr. Jeff, specialist audiologist performing ear wax removal [microsuction viewed through an ENT microscope] Patients seeking ear wax removal will now struggle to be seen via the NHS following a widespread de-commissioning of this service. This has led to a huge shift of ear care provision over to the private sector. Likewise, patients who may have previously been seen via ENT for ear clean

Current NICE guidelines recommends both water irrigation and microsuction as effective methods of ear wax removal. Here, I will take the opportunity to briefly define each method: water irrigation: pumping water into the ear canal to flush out any ear wax (wet method). This is typically performed using an electronic machine which regulates water temperature and pressure. Please note “old school” syringing with a large metal syringe is considered obsolete and is not NICE recom