Ear Wax Removal in Wimbledon: What to Expect, Cost and Aftercare

If your ears feel blocked, your hearing has gone dull or one ear sounds as if it is under water, a build-up of ear wax is one of the most common explanations. At our Wimbledon clinic, wax is removed by microsuction: an audiologist looks into the ear canal under magnification and gently lifts the wax out with a small suction tip, without using water. This guide explains what happens at the appointment, what it costs, how to look after your ears afterwards and when wax removal is not the answer.

Why ear wax builds up

Ear wax is not a sign of poor hygiene. It is the ear’s own cleaning and protective system, and in most people it works its way out of the canal without any help. The NHS guide to earwax build-up lists some of the reasons it can collect instead: narrow or damaged ear canals, a lot of hair in the canals, skin conditions affecting the scalp or around the ear, and inflammation of the ear canal (otitis externa, sometimes called swimmer’s ear).

In practice, a few everyday habits also make a blockage more likely. Cotton buds tend to push wax deeper rather than remove it, and the NHS specifically advises against using fingers or any objects in the ear. Hearing aids, earplugs and in-ear headphones can stop wax from migrating out naturally, which is why people who wear them often need wax removed more regularly.

Signs your ears may need wax removal

The NHS describes the common symptoms of earwax build-up as:

• hearing loss, or hearing that sounds muffled
• earache, or a feeling that your ears are blocked
• ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• vertigo, a feeling of dizziness and sickness

These symptoms are not always caused by wax, and that is the main reason to have your ears looked at rather than guessing. A blocked feeling can also come from a cold, a middle ear problem or a change in hearing that has nothing to do with wax. If you have noticed ringing alongside a blocked ear, our post on whether ear wax can cause tinnitus goes into this in more detail.

What happens at an ear wax removal appointment in Wimbledon

The appointment follows the same pattern whoever you are and however much wax there is.

1. A short conversation. The audiologist asks about your symptoms, how long they have been going on, whether you have had ear surgery, perforations or infections in the past, and whether you have used drops.

2. An examination of both ears. Both ear canals and, where visible, the eardrums are examined before anything is removed. If one ear is clear, you are told so, and only the ear that needs it is treated.

3. Microsuction. Using magnification and a light, the audiologist guides a fine suction tip along the canal and lifts the wax away. You will hear a hissing or rushing noise while the suction is running, which can be loud but is short-lived. Most people find it comfortable; if a piece of wax is firmly stuck, the audiologist may pause, use a small instrument, or stop and advise softening drops before finishing another day rather than forcing it.

4. A second look. Once the wax is out, the canal and eardrum are checked again, and the audiologist explains what they found. If something other than wax needs attention, such as signs of infection, you will be told what to do next.

Microsuction is one of the methods the NHS lists for removing earwax, alongside water irrigation and removal with a small instrument. If you are weighing up the options, our comparison of microsuction, syringing and ear drops explains how they differ.

How much does ear wax removal cost in Wimbledon?

At our Wimbledon clinic, microsuction costs £60 for one ear and £80 for both ears. If the examination shows there is no wax to remove, we charge a £20 consultation fee rather than the full price. Until 30 November 2026, both ears are £60 with the code 20OFF at our Wimbledon, Wallington and Addiscombe clinics. Full details are on our Wimbledon ear wax removal page.

The NHS notes that not all GP surgeries remove earwax, and that you may be referred to another local NHS service or need to pay privately. It is worth checking with your own surgery first if cost is the main concern.

Do you need to use olive oil first?

Not always. Softening drops can help with very hard or long-standing wax, but microsuction can deal with most wax without preparation. The NHS self-care advice is to put 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil in the affected ear while lying on your side, 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 5 days. Do not use almond oil if you are allergic to almonds, and do not use drops at all if you know or suspect you have a perforated eardrum. If you are unsure, ask the clinic when you book.

Aftercare: looking after your ears afterwards

Most people notice the difference straight away, and some find everyday sounds seem louder for a day or so simply because they had become used to hearing through a blockage. A few practical points help afterwards:

• Leave your ears alone. Avoid cotton buds, fingers and other objects in the canal; the ear will look after itself.
• If your ear feels slightly tender or sensitive, this usually settles quickly. Pain that gets worse, discharge, a high temperature or a sudden drop in hearing should be checked promptly.
• If you are prone to build-up, the NHS notes that regularly using ear drops or olive oil can help soften wax so it falls out on its own.

If your hearing still seems reduced once the wax has gone, that is a useful clue that something else is going on. A hearing test in Wimbledon costs £59 and can usually tell you whether there is an underlying hearing loss.

When ear wax removal is not the right first step

Wax removal is a routine treatment, but some symptoms need medical advice instead. Speak to your GP or NHS 111 rather than booking wax removal if you have sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, a high temperature, or symptoms that started after an injury to the head or ear. NICE guidance on hearing loss in adults (NG98) covers when adults should be referred urgently and when earwax should be removed in a community or primary care setting.

Frequently asked questions

Does microsuction hurt?

For most people it does not. The main sensation is the noise of the suction, which is loud but brief. Some people feel a cool sensation or brief light-headedness, which passes quickly. If anything is uncomfortable, tell the audiologist and they will stop.

How often should I have my ears cleaned?

Many people never need it. Others, particularly hearing aid wearers and people with narrow canals, find wax builds up every few months. There is no fixed schedule; it is best to have your ears checked when symptoms return rather than routinely.

Can I have only one ear done?

Yes. Both ears are examined, but if only one needs treatment, only that ear is treated and you pay the single-ear price.

Ear wax removal in Wimbledon and nearby

Our Wimbledon clinic is at 165 The Broadway, SW19, and offers ear wax removal Monday to Friday. If another location is easier for you, we also offer microsuction in Teddington, Wallington and Addiscombe, Croydon, and you can see all four clinics on our locations page. For anyone who cannot easily travel, we also carry out ear wax removal at home, which costs £139.

If your ears feel blocked and you would like them checked, you can call us on 020 8150 7178 or book an appointment online.