Softening wax: ask us first
Our clinic asks you to check with the team for preparation advice before your visit. Ear drops are not suitable for everyone — particularly if you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection or have had ear surgery.
For reference, the NHS self-care advice for earwax build-up is:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
- Put 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil in the ear (not almond oil if you're allergic to almonds).
- Stay lying on your side for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Repeat 3 to 4 times a day, for 3 to 5 days.
Do not use drops if you have, or may have, a hole in your eardrum. Never use cotton buds, fingers or ear candles — the NHS says there's no evidence ear candles or ear vacuums work.
What happens at microsuction
- We listen: we ask about your symptoms and ear health history.
- A closer look: we examine your ears to decide whether wax removal is suitable.
- Your consent: we explain the options and only go ahead if it's suitable and you're happy. Microsuction uses a small suction device while we look into the ear canal under magnification.
- Aftercare: clear guidance and any next steps. See aftercare.
It can feel unusual — some noise from the suction and a feeling of pressure — but it should not be sharply painful. Tell us straight away if anything is uncomfortable; you can pause or stop at any time.
Costs
- One ear cleared £35 · both ears £49 · foreign body £69 (from our pricing page).
- No wax? If no wax is found or removed, a £30 consultation fee applies to cover professional time.
- Payment methods: ask the clinic.
Home visits
£99 for a home visit within 6 miles of the clinic. Call or WhatsApp us to check whether we can visit your address.
What to bring
- A list of any medicines you take.
- Details of any past ear problems: perforated eardrum, ear surgery, infections or grommets — please tell us before treatment.
- Your hearing aids and their case, if you wear them.
- Your loyalty card.
- Anything else (e.g. ID or GP letter): ask the clinic.
Clinics
- Ruislip Ear Care, 103 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor HA4 9BN — Mon–Fri 9:30–17:00, Sat 9:15–15:00. A short walk from Ruislip Manor, with nearby parking.
- Cleaner Ears Hayes, 814A Uxbridge Road, Hayes UB4 0RS — by appointment; step-free access from Uxbridge Road.
- Wembley Ear Clinic, inside Wembley Pharmacy, Middlesex House, 183 Ealing Road HA0 4LW — Sat 16:30–18:00.
Get urgent help
- Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, hearing that has got worse over days or weeks, or hearing loss with earache or discharge.
- Call 999 or go to A&E if you have tinnitus or hearing loss after a head injury, or sudden hearing loss with weakness in the face or a spinning sensation (vertigo).
- Severe pain, bleeding or significant dizziness should be assessed promptly. Do not assume it is wax.
Contact the clinic
Ruislip Ear Care · Cleaner Ears (Hayes) · Wembley Ear Clinic
Sources
Checked October 2026. If anything here differs from what your clinician tells you, follow your clinician.