Pricing
Ear wax removal fees
A single fee covers treatment for both ears and includes everything listed below. There are no additional charges, and the hearing screening is complimentary.
Ear wax removal
Up to £65
for both ears · 20 to 30 minutes
- Examination and video otoscopy before and after treatment
- Microsuction or irrigation, selected according to clinical need
- Carried out by trained clinicians
- Complimentary hearing screening afterwards, where appropriate
- Aftercare advice to help manage future wax build-up
Returning patients
£10 off
on every appointment after your first. Many people require wax removal every 6 to 12 months.
Appointment information
- Same-day and next-day appointments are frequently available
- Treatment is provided for adults aged 18 and over
- Free parking is available directly outside the clinic
- Payment is taken on the day by card or cash
Treatment options
Microsuction and water irrigation compared
The Chepstow Hearing Clinic offers both methods. The most appropriate method is selected following a clinical examination of the ear canal and a review of the patient’s medical history.
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is a method of removing ear wax with a fine, low-pressure suction tube. The clinician views the ear canal through magnification throughout. No water is used. It is suitable for most adults, including patients with a perforated eardrum or grommets.
What is ear irrigation?
Ear irrigation is a method of removing softened ear wax with a controlled flow of body-temperature water. An electronic irrigator regulates the pressure. It has replaced traditional ear syringing. It is not suitable where there is a perforation, infection, grommet or recent ear surgery.
Microsuction
A fine, sterile suction tube is used to remove wax from the ear canal under continuous magnification. Only the tip of the instrument enters the ear, and no water is used.
Indicated for: hard or impacted wax, hearing aid users, and patients with a history of ear conditions, a perforated eardrum, grommets or previous ear surgery. Also appropriate where a dry method is preferred.
Water irrigation
An electronic irrigator delivers a pressure-controlled flow of body-temperature water along the ear canal to remove softened wax. It has replaced traditional ear syringing.
Indicated for: softer wax and uncomplicated blockages, particularly following three to five days of softening with olive oil. Contraindicated where there is a perforation, infection, grommet or recent ear surgery.
| Microsuction | Water irrigation | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Suction under magnification | Controlled warm water flow |
| Patient experience | Mild sensation; audible suction noise | Warm sensation; brief dizziness in some patients |
| Use of water | No | Yes, at body temperature |
| Pre-treatment softening | Beneficial, not essential | Recommended: olive oil for 3 to 5 days |
| Hard or impacted wax | Suitable | Softening required first |
| Perforation, grommets, infection or previous ear surgery | Generally suitable | Contraindicated |
| Hearing aid users | Suitable | Suitable after softening |
| Time for both ears | 15 to 30 minutes | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Price | Up to £65, both ears | Up to £65, both ears |
Choosing a method. Microsuction is commonly preferred for sensitive ears, hearing aid users and patients with a history of ear conditions. Irrigation is an effective option for softer wax when performed by trained clinicians using appropriate equipment. The clinician recommends a method following examination and explains the clinical reasoning. If the first method does not fully clear the ear canal, the alternative method may be used. The fee is the same for both methods.
Your appointment
Before, during and after
Signs of wax build-up
Is it time to get checked?
- Muffled or reduced hearing in one or both ears
- A feeling of fullness or pressure
- Earache, itching or irritation
- Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) that has started recently
- Feeling slightly off balance
- Hearing aids whistling, sounding weak or blocking with wax
Please don't
Cotton buds, ear candles and DIY kits
Cotton buds push wax deeper and compact it. Ear candles have no evidence behind them and can burn. Home suction and irrigation kits are used blind, so you cannot see a perforation or infection.
Ear wax removal isn't a regulated activity in the UK, so anyone can offer it. Wherever you go, ask who is treating you and what training they have. Ours is carried out by trained clinicians, under the clinical lead of an HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser.
NHS ear wax removal
What UK hearing organisations say
NICE guidelines state that ear wax removal should be offered on the NHS where there is a medical need. Many GP practices no longer provide it. Two national organisations have published positions on this.
RNID
The Ear Wax Removal Crisis campaign
In January 2024, RNID published Blocked Ears, Blocked Access: the Crisis of NHS Ear Wax Removal in England. According to RNID, fewer than half of Integrated Care Boards in England met NICE guidelines at the time.
RNID also notes that Welsh Government guidance, first issued in 2020, states that a free NHS ear wax service should be available in primary and community care.
Source: RNID, Our ear wax removal campaignBritish Academy of Audiology
Call for the return of GP ear wax removal
In April 2025, the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) called on GPs to return to providing NHS ear wax removal for all patients. The BAA states that GPs are not incentivised to offer the service through their contracts.
Claire Benton, President of the BAA, said: “We call on all GPs to return to providing NHS wax removal services, ensuring everyone has access to safe and affordable care in line with NICE guidelines.”
Source: British Academy of Audiology statementThe Chepstow Hearing Clinic is a private clinic and is not part of the NHS. Ear wax removal at the clinic costs up to £65 for both ears. No GP referral is needed.
Ear wax removal FAQ
Questions people ask before booking
How much does ear wax removal cost in Chepstow?
Up to £65 for both ears, including the ear examination, video otoscopy before and after, your choice of microsuction or irrigation, and a complimentary hearing screening where appropriate. Returning patients get £10 off.
What is the difference between microsuction and irrigation?
Microsuction lifts wax out with gentle low-pressure suction while the clinician watches through magnification, with no water involved. Irrigation uses a controlled flow of body-temperature water to flush softened wax out. Both are safe when done by trained clinicians; we choose the method that suits your ears on the day.
Do you offer ear syringing?
We offer modern water irrigation, which is the safe, controlled successor to old-fashioned syringing. Pressure and temperature are regulated, so it is far gentler than the syringe method many people remember.
Does ear wax removal hurt?
It should not. Most people describe microsuction as a slightly noisy tickle and irrigation as a warm, odd sensation. If anything is uncomfortable, tell us and we stop.
How long does an appointment take?
Around 20 to 30 minutes for both ears, including a look inside with a video otoscope before and after so you can see the result yourself.
Should I use olive oil drops before my appointment?
Yes, ideally. Olive oil drops or a spray such as Earol twice a day for three to five days softens the wax and makes removal quicker and more comfortable, especially if you wear hearing aids.
Can ear wax cause hearing loss or tinnitus?
Yes, temporarily. A blockage can muffle hearing and trigger or worsen ringing in the ears. Both usually improve once the wax is removed, which is why we offer a complimentary hearing screening afterwards where appropriate.
Can you see me the same day for blocked ears?
Often, yes. Call 01291 332211 or check the online diary. If we have a slot today we will offer it to you.
Is ear wax removal safe?
In trained hands, yes. Ear wax removal is not a regulated activity in the UK, so anyone can offer it. Ours is carried out by trained clinicians, under the clinical lead of an HCPC-registered Hearing Aid Dispenser, after examining your ear and checking your history.
Is there an age limit?
We carry out ear wax removal for adults aged 18 and over.
Do you check my hearing during the appointment?
Once your ears are clear we may offer a complimentary hearing screening where appropriate. If it shows anything worth looking at, we can book you a free full hearing test.
Is ear wax removal available near Caldicot and Lydney?
Yes. Patients come to our Chepstow clinic from Caldicot, Magor, Lydney, Coleford and across the Forest of Dean. Chepstow is around 10 minutes from Caldicot and 25 minutes from Lydney, with free parking outside.
Blocked ears? We can often see you today.
Up to £65 for both ears, £10 off if you've been before.