Are you struggling to hear?
Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural, protective substance produced in the ear canal. It traps dust, debris and microbes, helps prevent infection and keeps the canal moisturised. While it normally does its job seamlessly, problems can arise when wax accumulates excessively or hardens. Excessive ear wax can lead to symptoms like hearing loss, earache, tinnitus, pressure / fullness, itching or dizziness.
Being aware of these symptoms is vital — if something feels “off”, getting your ears checked early can avoid discomfort or further complications.
Symptoms of ear wax blockage can include:
Dizziness, ringing (tinnitus) or balance issues
If you’re experiencing one or more of these, a professional ear-wax removal service may be required.
Home removal of ear wax (with cotton buds, ear picks or DIY irrigation) can often lead to more problems, pushing the wax deeper, causing impaction, or even damaging the eardrum. At Coastal Hearing we provide expert ear-wax cleaning using safe, reliable methods. Our experienced clinicians will assess your ears and advise you on the best treatment: microsuction, irrigation (water-based removal) or a dry-method technique.
Microsuction is a widely recommended, safe and comfortable method for ear cleaning. It uses a fine, low-pressure suction device to gently remove the wax — no liquids, no mess. The process is fast (often minutes) and suitable for many patients including those who cannot tolerate irrigation. You’ll be shown a video-otoscope view of your ear before and after treatment, for complete transparency.
Benefits: No water, low-pressure suction, quick and efficient, minimal discomfort.
Ear irrigation (sometimes referred to as ear wash or ear flush) is a method using gently warmed sterile water to flush out wax from the ear canal. It can be particularly effective when wax is softened or in larger quantities. At Coastal Hearing, our clinicians control temperature and pressure to ensure comfort and safety. Benefits: Effective for bulk wax, especially softened by pre-treatment drops; clear flushing of debris; excellent for moderate blockages.
In some cases, a dry-method removal may be preferable: this includes mechanical removal using fine instruments without suction or irrigation, or combining pre-softening drops followed by manual extraction. The right method is chosen based on the condition of the wax, shape of the ear canal and patient comfort.
Benefits: Ideal for patients with intolerance to water/irrigation, sensitive ear canals, or previous ear surgery; safe and precise.
Microsuction is the preferred method of treatment for guaranteed, safe, effective removal of ear wax.
Microsuction is comfortable and in most cases the blockage is removed in minutes.
Experienced audiologists with training in aural microsuction ear wax removal perform this procedure.
Microsuction for both ears: £70
If no wax is found a £25 consultation fee will be charged
Home visits: £150
*prices are subject to change, please check directly with the clinic for up to date prices.
FAQ's
If you experience the following symptoms, it is highly likely that you have a wax blockage that requires professional removal;
Get your ears examined at Colwyn Bay Hearing to determine the extent of the blockage and the most appropriate treatment.
Microsuction is a highly comfortable and well-tolerated procedure for ear wax removal. The process is quick, and the blockage is usually removed within minutes. Our experienced audiologists use a fine low-pressure suction device, ensuring gentle and precise removal without causing discomfort. Patients report minimal or no discomfort during the procedure.
Yes! We recommend using Earol (olive oil) for two days before your scheduled appointment. Earol is a proven and effective method for softening compacted ear wax, so it is easier to remove it during the procedure. It is suitable for all age groups and simple to use.
Attempting to remove ear wax at home on your own using DIY methods can be risky and may lead to more significant problems. Inserting cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects into the ear can push the wax deeper into the ear canal, making it harder to remove and causing damage to the ear.
Colwyn Bay Hearing offers professional ear cleaning to ensure safe and effective removal without any adverse effects. Our experienced audiologists use specialised tools and techniques, such as microsuction, to safely eliminate ear wax blockages, and ensure optimal ear health.
No — inserting objects (cotton buds, hairpins, ear picks) is strongly discouraged. It may worsen impaction, damage the ear canal or eardrum. Ear candling is ineffective and can be hazardous.
If the hearing loss is due to wax blockage, removing it often improves or restores hearing. But if there is another cause of hearing loss (middle/inner ear problems, nerve damage), then wax removal alone won’t resolve those.
Q. Can children or hearing aid users have microsuction?
Yes, when assessed as suitable by a trained clinician at Coastal Hearing
