Ear Wax Removal Services in Northern England
Blocked ears, muffled hearing and discomfort are often caused by a build-up of ear wax. At Your Pharmacy Clinics, we provide in-clinic ear health assessments across Northern England to help patients understand the cause of their symptoms and access the right care. Our clinicians offer safe, face-to-face consultations and guidance, helping you decide whether softening treatments, ear wax management advice or referral for professional removal is appropriate.
Patients can attend appointments at our branches across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham. If you are experiencing reduced hearing, pressure, discomfort or ongoing symptoms, our team can assess your ear health and support you with clear, practical advice.
What Causes Ear Wax Build-Up?
Ear wax (cerumen) is produced naturally to protect the ear canal by trapping dust, debris and microorganisms. However, excessive build-up can lead to:
- Blocked or muffled hearing
- Earache or a feeling of pressure
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness or balance difficulties
- Itching or irritation
- Interference with hearing aids
If you experience these symptoms, an in-clinic assessment can help confirm whether wax is the cause and what the most suitable next steps are.
Why Seek Professional Support for Ear Wax?
Over-the-counter softening drops may help break down wax, but they do not always clear blockages completely. Attempting to remove wax using cotton buds, hairpins or other tools can push wax deeper into the ear canal and increase the risk of irritation, infection or injury.
A face-to-face assessment at Your Pharmacy Clinics helps determine whether wax is the cause of your symptoms and whether softening drops, at-home care or referral for a procedure such as microsuction or irrigation is appropriate. Where needed, the clinician will direct you to a suitable local provider offering safe wax removal procedures.
Signs You Might Need Ear Wax Removal
Symptoms that may indicate wax build-up include:
- Sudden or gradual hearing loss
- Fullness or pressure in the ear
- Pain, itching or irritation
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Frequent use of hearing aids or in-ear headphones
- Regular exposure to dusty or noisy environments
If you’re unsure whether wax is the cause, an in-clinic assessment can help identify the problem and guide the right solution.
How Our Ear Wax Assessment Service Works
Booking your in-clinic appointment
Patients book an appointment at their nearest Your Pharmacy Clinics location. Before attending, a short pre-consultation form must be completed through your secure account to provide important information about your symptoms and ear health history.
In-clinic clinical assessment
During your appointment, the clinician will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and assess whether wax may be contributing to your concerns. They will explain whether softening drops, home care or referral for removal is recommended.
Advice or referral
Where appropriate, you may be advised to use softening drops to help manage mild build-up. When wax removal is necessary, you will be directed to a suitable local clinician or service offering procedures such as microsuction or irrigation. Treatment is arranged only when safe and clinically appropriate.
Understanding Microsuction
Microsuction is a widely used wax removal method performed by trained practitioners using a gentle suction device and magnification. It is precise and avoids the use of water, making it suitable for many patients, including those who cannot undergo irrigation.
Benefits of microsuction
- Quick and accurate
- Suitable for patients with perforated eardrums
- Useful when softening drops have not worked
- Minimal moisture and reduced mess
- Often provides immediate improvement
If microsuction is recommended, the clinician will advise you on where to access this service locally.
Understanding Ear Irrigation
Ear irrigation, sometimes known as syringing, uses controlled warm water to flush out softened wax. It may be recommended when microsuction is not available or appropriate.
Irrigation is not suitable for everyone, including patients with a history of ear surgery, recurring infections or eardrum concerns. During your assessment, the clinician will discuss whether irrigation is recommended and advise you on the safest options.
When to Seek an Ear Wax Assessment
You should consider booking an assessment if you:
- Experience ongoing hearing loss or blocked ears
- Use hearing aids or earphones regularly
- Have discomfort, recurring infections or irritation
- Work in dusty or loud environments
- Swim frequently or experience trapped water in the ears
- Have tried softening drops without improvement
Early assessment can prevent complications and restore comfort more quickly.
For more information on ear wax build-up, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/
Why Choose Your Pharmacy Clinics
- In-clinic assessments carried out by trained clinicians
- Clear, practical advice tailored to your symptoms
- Safe guidance on wax management
- Referral to suitable local removal services where needed
- Confidential and professional care
- Convenient locations across Northern England
Our team is committed to helping you manage ear health safely and effectively.
Ear Wax Removal FAQs
Do you carry out ear wax removal in clinic?
We provide in-clinic assessment and advice. If removal is required, we refer patients to appropriate local providers offering microsuction or irrigation.
Is microsuction safe?
Yes, microsuction is considered safe for most people and is particularly useful for those unable to undergo irrigation.
Can I get ear wax removal on the NHS?
Some NHS providers may offer wax removal, but availability varies. Our assessment service supports patients who need timely guidance.
Are softening drops effective?
Softening drops can help break down mild wax build-up. If symptoms persist after a few days, an in-clinic assessment is recommended.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. All information is handled in line with UK pharmacy regulations and strict confidentiality standards.
Legal Disclaimer
This service provides in-clinic ear health assessments and advice in accordance with UK pharmacy regulations. Wax removal procedures are not performed at Your Pharmacy Clinics. Patients will be referred to appropriate services if removal is clinically required. This service is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Seek immediate attention if you experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain or ear discharge.