_edited.png)
Ear Wax Removal in Nottingham (microsuction)
In an unregulated landscape, be sure to choose the experts
HCPC & AHCS registered
audiologist
Scope of practice to perform further testing
NICE recommended microsuction
Gold standard
HD x25 zoom
ENT microscope
1000 wax removals performed
per year
Onward ENT referrals & advice
£59 one ear / £79 both ears
We are experts at ear wax removal in Sherwood Nottingham, performing over 1000 ear wax removal procedures every year.
Jeff is highly experienced in this field, with many of his fellow audiology colleagues coming to him specifically for ear wax removal training, microscopy training and supervision.
​
Uniquely, Ear Care Specialists in Sherwood is home to a state-of-the-art high resolution ENT operating microscope. This offers unrivalled otoscopic viewing (up to x 25 magnification and superb depth perception) throughout the microsuction procedure. This is essential for safe ear wax removal.
​
Sadly there are many inexperienced, ill-equipped and inadequately qualified individuals offering ear wax removal services. Treat your hearing with the care it deserves and ensure you’re seeking the attention of a qualified specialist to support your journey.
​​​​
Want to know more about our credentials? Click here to find out more about us.
_edited.png)
Ear Care Specialists
Expert ear wax removal with Dr. Jeff, your local expert audiologist
ear wax removal in sherwood, nottingham. ear wax removal nottingham. microsuction ear wax removal nottingham. ear cleaning in nottingham.
ear wax removal in arnold.
We use state of the art ENT HD video microscopes and NICE recommended ear wax removal methods.
Uniquely, we use a state-of-the-art ENT operating microscope to illuminate and visualise your ears in ultra high definition. This is the true gold standard for ear examination, offering unrivalled magnification, depth perception and light. Better than a head torch, better than head loupes, even better than an endoscope attached to an iphone. It's the same kind an ENT consultant might use when performing ear surgeries. Very few ear wax removal providers have these. Why? because they are hugely expensive and require extensive specialist training. However we chose to invest in this equipment because we want to offer the best possible service. Having the right tool for the job makes ALL the difference.
Whilst visualising your ear, we are able to gently remove your ear wax using microsuction. Unlike syringing, this is a safe and dry method which does NOT usually require the pre-application of oil drops or wax softeners, which are often only necessary in a minority of hard wax cases. We do not recommend the use of Otex hydrogen peroxide drops under any circumstances.
Microsuction vs.
Ear Syringing
​If your ears are blocked with ear wax, we have no way of knowing what lies behind the ear wax, because we cannot see it. [PERIOD]. Therefore we cannot guarantee ear health (lumps, bumps, infection, cavities etc.) or know the true status of the ear drum (healthy, scarred, retracted, perforated, abnormally vascular, infected etc.). So to blindly pump water in to this space isn't the best idea in our opinion. What's more the temperature of the water can make you feel dizzy if it isn't just right. Microsuction on the other hand, is a waterless method which allows for wax removal under direct observation of the ear: you can see what you are doing, as you are doing it. That's not to say that it is perfect. Microsuction can be noisy (as can operating your vacuum cleaner). Now if there's a big wall of wax in the way of the ear drum it will tend to do a pretty good job of shielding the noise. What's more, the procedure takes seconds to a couple of minutes so exposure time is minimal. You can also use fine end suction tubes which command less pressure and aren't as noisy. Sometimes, ear wax can be removed with wax hooks or crocodile forceps. This manual approach doesn't generate any noise but it isn't always the most efficient method for wax removal. Again, having access to good visualisation methods, is a must here.
Ear wax removal in children
Wax removal can be undertaken safely on children given the right circumstances. We are highly experienced at this and see children from as young as five or six years old.
Importantly, the child will need to remain still and calm throughout the process. Adjustments such as sitting on the parent's lap or watching an ipad can often help. As microsuction can be quite noisy, children with sound sensitivity may not tolerate the procedure.
In the specific case of children, we do encourage the pre-application of oil drops for two or three days prior to the appointment to help loosen the ear wax. In rare instances, specialist sedation may be required via ENT.
Please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to discuss ear wax removal for your child.
Sticky & tricky ear wax
In the infrequent case of overly softened or naturally "wet", sticky wax, it isn't always possible to remove every last bit — particularly if it's coating the ear drum or the canal is narrow or bendy. Safety and comfort always come first. Please note we do still charge for the procedure where it has been attempted.
​
A reminder: we do not recommend Otex or hydrogen peroxide drops, as they can turn ear wax into a sludge that's harder to remove.
Ear Care Specialists
Expert ear wax removal with Dr. Jeff in Sherwood
ear wax removal in sherwood, nottingham. ear wax removal nottingham. microsuction ear wax removal nottingham. ear cleaning in nottingham.
ear wax removal in arnold.
Why Choose Ear Care Specialists in Nottingham for Ear Wax Removal?
Safe ear wax removal requires extensive training, specialist equipment, a detailed knowledge and understanding of audiological management & evaluation and well established medical referral pathways. Here's what sets us apart.​​
​​
​​EXPERTISE
Jeff is a dual-registered specialist audiologist with extensive knowledge and the right degree certificates to back it up; our entire profession revolves around ear health and hearing. No side hustling here.
​
EXPERIENCE
Jeff performs over 1000 ear wax removal procedures every year (check out our socials if you want to see us in action). What's more, Jeff actually trains fellow audiologists in ear wax removal and even helped design the first microsuction training course at his former university, De Montfort.
​
EQUIPMENT
We use lots of specialist equipment; from our ENT microscope to visualise and magnify your ear canal as we gently suction out the ear wax, to the very chair you sit in for the procedure - a custom spec antibacterial super adjustable chair with dual-articulated head rest for ultimate head support (Jeff's third patient chair - the others didn't cut the mustard!).
​
FURTHER EVALUATION
We have lots of other tests available at our disposal. When it comes to ear and hearing health, wax isn't always the issue (or the only issue), so further investigation is often needed. Our clinical expertise and scope of practice allows this to happen.
​
PROFESSIONALLY CONNECTED
We can refer you to see an ENT or dermatology consultant if further medical care is needed. What's more, we sit in the right profession, underpinned with national clinical guidelines to which we our bound through our registration and professional memberships.
EAR WAX REMOVAL IS NOT TO BE UNDER ESTIMATED
It should be carried out by experienced and registered audiologists, specialist ENT nurses or ENT doctors i.e. professionals who's entire body of work is centred around ear health. However, due to a lack of hard regulation and the willingness of some unscrupulous "clinical trainers" to train just about anyone, you will find a wide array of unqualified, poorly equipped so-called ear wax practitioners offering ear wax removal services to the unsuspecting public. Indeed even some health care professionals such as pharmacists, osteopaths, mental health nurses, physiotherapists, dispensing opticians (etc. etc.) are getting in on the act. Such individuals have no formal clinical qualifications or experience in otology/audiology, no relevant registration, no detailed understanding of hearing health, no clinical support network and no scope of practice for further diagnostic hearing health investigation. They attend a brief crash course in ear wax removal and come out naively thinking they can offer a safe and credible service. The reality is they can't. And lets be honest they aren't doing it for a love of ears, its just another stream of income generation. To think of this scenario another way: imagine if your audiologist starting offering back adjustments or sight tests after attending a 1 or 2 day course - its preposterous, right?
Some practitioners may even talk about their "years of NHS experience" but you have to ask; are they referring to work in audiology/otology and even more specifically in ear wax removal? The answer in our experience: most probably not.​
​
Want to know more about the risks of choosing the wrong provider? Read our article: Who Is Removing Your Ear Wax?
Frequently Asked
Questions
[ear wax removal]
Does microsuction ear wax removal hurt?
Generally speaking no, it should not cause pain given the right circumstances e.g. wax is soft and ready to come out. The suction probe should only come into contact with the ear wax and not any other ear structures. Of course, as a physical procedure, there is an associated sensation which patients tend to tolerate very well. Any invasive procedure always carries risks - best practice, experience and using the right equipment will help to minimise such risks.
Do I need to use ear drops before my microsuction appointment?
In most case, pre-softening with oil drops is not required. We can assess and advise after viewing your ear. We will sometimes apply some oil drops to your ear during the ear wax removal appointment. We do NOT recommend the use of Otex drops at any time, or the prolonged (> 5 days) use of oil drops. This can turn the wax "sludgy" and make removal very difficult.
How long does ear wax removal take?
The actual process of wax removal typically takes seconds to a couple of minutes. We allow 30 minutes per appointment, giving us ample time to examine your ears, check your ear health history and explain the process.
Is microsuction a safe option for children?
Wax removal can be undertaken safely on children given the right circumstances. We are highly experienced at this and see children from as young as five or six years old. Importantly, the child will need to remain still and calm throughout the process. Adjustments such as sitting on the parent's lap or watching an ipad can often help. As microsuction can be quite noisy, children with sound sensitivity may not tolerate the procedure.
Can you guarantee to remove all of my ear wax?
No clinician or wax removal method can guarantee complete wax removal. Clinical circumstances such as the shape of the ear canal and consistency of the ear wax will influence how easily wax can be removed. In the vast majority of cases we will remove ear wax successfully, relieving your blocked symptoms.
What's the difference between microsuction and ear syringing?
Microsuction is a modern method of wax removal which involves the use of dry suction, performed under magnification of the ear. Syringing or water irrigation involves blindly pumping water in to the ear to flush out ear wax. We do not offer water-based methods here at Ear Care Specialists. More on this HERE.
Why does it matter who removes my ear wax?
Because of insufficient regulations and the motivations of some unethical "clinical trainers," nearly anyone can take a brief 1 or 2-day course in ear wax removal and start their own service. Don't be swayed; your ears are precious. Look for qualified audiologists or ENT medical professionals with the necessary experience, knowledge, equipment, and credentials. More information can be found HERE.
How much does ear wax removal cost?
Here at Ear Care Specialists, we charge £59 for microsuction wax removal from one ear or £79 for both ears. This includes a microscopic ear examination, wax removal, and any advice or further testing recommendations. If no wax is found, we charge a £30 consultation fee, during which we will screen test your hearing and provide further advice based on symptoms.
Do you offer same day or same week emergency ear wax removal appointments?
If you ear is blocked with wax, we understand that it can feel uncomfortable and disorientating. Our booking page shows our live appointment availability. For cancellations and same day appointments, please give us a call to discuss.