How do Specsavers remove ear wax?

Specsavers primarily uses microsuction, a safe and gentle method where a trained hearing expert uses a low-pressure vacuum under a microscope to suck excess earwax out of the ear canal without touching the eardrum, often preceded by using wax-softening drops. They look inside the ear with a microscope for accurate removal and avoid ear syringing (flushing with water) due to potential complications.

How much does Specsavers charge to remove ear wax?

How much is a professional ear cleaning? Professional ear cleaning costs vary depending on where you go. At Specsavers, our earwax removal services cost £60 for one or both ears, plus a complete ear health check. If no earwax is found, there'll be a £25 charge for the ear health check.

How long does it take to remove ear wax Specsavers?

When microsuction is performed by a trained professional, it is one of the safest ways to remove wax from your ears. Your appointment at Specsavers will typically last 30 minutes to ensure we have enough time to go through our questionnaire and to perform the procedure.

Is microsuction ear wax removal painful?

In a few cases, microsuction can cause pain or mild discomfort. We can stop the procedure at any point to minimise any discomfort you may feel. There may sometimes be some irritation of the ear, minor or temporary hearing changes or some bleeding, but this usually resolves very quickly.

Is it worth it to get ear wax professionally removed?

Yes, professional earwax removal is worth it if you have symptoms like muffled hearing, pain, itching, or a feeling of fullness, as it safely and effectively clears blockages, prevents infection, and restores hearing without the risks of home methods like cotton swabs that can push wax deeper. It's a safe, quick procedure that improves hearing health and comfort, especially if you're prone to impaction. 

Specsavers Letterkenny Hearcare

What are the disadvantages of ear wax removal?

The equipment used during ear wax removal does generate some noise, which some find to be very loud. In minimal cases, this can cause temporary short lived hearing loss, known as a temporary threshold shift. This occasionally happens when tiny muscles contract to protect the ear against noise.

Why did a big chunk of ear wax come out of my ear?

Chewing, talking and regular bathing is often enough to move earwax up and out of the ear. Usually, earwax gets rinsed away in the shower without you knowing it's happening. But it's possible – and totally normal – for earwax to come out in balls, clumps or lumps. The bigger problem is when earwax stays in your ears.

Can you hear straight away after microsuction?

The suction technique effectively removes wax in a matter of minutes, allowing you to hear clearly right away. Minimal Discomfort: Most patients find microsuction to be a comfortable procedure.

Will deep earwax eventually come out?

Yes, earwax often comes out on its own as the ear canal is self-cleaning, but deep or impacted wax might need help, with over-the-counter ear drops (like olive oil or hydrogen peroxide) softening it to encourage it to fall out, though a doctor is best for severe blockages to prevent damage. Never use cotton swabs for deep earwax, as it often pushes the wax further in.
 

Can suction damage your ears?

As the microsuction ear wax removal procedure involves a tube being inserted into the ear canal, there is a small risk that some damage or trauma could occur in the ear canal or ear drum. This can occur from sudden movements by the patient. In extremely rare cases, the eardrum can become perforated.

What not to do after earwax removal?

After earwax removal, don't put anything in your ear (like cotton swabs, fingers, or earbuds), get water in it (avoid swimming/heavy showers), or scratch it, as this risks infection and damage; instead, keep it dry and clean the outer ear gently, watching for signs of infection like pain, redness, or discharge, and avoid flying or strenuous activity if dizzy.
 

How can I tell if my ear is full of wax?

Symptoms of earwax build-up include:

1. hearing loss.
2. earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked.
3. ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
4. vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)

Can your ears still feel blocked after microsuction?

Microsuction can sometimes cause minor irritation or inflammation in the ear canal. This can result in a feeling of blockage or discomfort that may take some time to resolve.

Are Specsavers good at removing ear wax?

At Specsavers, we use microsuction, which is the quickest and safest method of removing earwax. The tool gently sucks the wax from your ears, and has no contact with the eardrum or the sensitive skin of the ear canal.

Do Specsavers give a discount for over 60s?

20% off glasses for over 60s

Buy a pair of glasses from our £70 range or above and get 20% off, if you're over 60.

How often should I get ear wax removed?

If your ears are naturally prone to produce excessive wax then a quarterly appointment is likely to be needed. If you have certain medical conditions then this might affect how often it is recommended you have your ears professionally cleaned.

What pulls ear wax out?

Earwax is drawn out by softening agents like oils (mineral, olive, almond), hydrogen peroxide, or over-the-counter drops, which break it down, followed by gentle flushing (irrigation) with warm water or saline using a bulb syringe, or by professional suction/scraping with specialized tools like curettes, while avoiding cotton swabs deep in the canal.
 

What does impacted earwax feel like?

Common Signs of Earwax Impaction

One of the most common indicators of earwax impaction is a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. This sensation can vary, depending on the extent of the buildup. People often describe it as feeling like their ear is plugged or as if there is something stuck inside.

What are the risks of ear wax removal?

Damage to the ear/eardrum, which can cause slight bleeding - This is an unusual side effect, and being able to sit very still during the entire earwax removal procedure will significantly minimise the risk. Noise-induced damage - Again this is rare, but you might experience temporary hearing loss.

Can I shower after ear microsuction?

So, it is important to keep your ears dry for a minimum of 3 days after treatment. To keep ears dry for 3 days, you should use ear buds for 3 days when showering or bathing and should not swim or submerge head under water for 7 days.

Why do I feel weird after ear wax removal?

Some people experience vertigo — a spinning or dizzy sensation — after earwax removal. This is more common if the procedure involves water irrigation or suction, which can temporarily disturb the balance-sensitive structures within the ear.

Will my tinnitus go away after removing ear wax?

If your tinnitus has been caused by the compacted earwax then yes, there is a possibility that removing the wax will resolve the tinnitus symptoms. If you have other symptoms related to the build-up of earwax and your tinnitus started around the same time, there is a higher chance your tinnitus is earwax related.

What does earwax smell like?

Earwax often has a slight odor (ranging from sweet to slightly musky) because of the mix of substances it contains. It's natural in much the same way that sweat naturally has an odor. And these odors are different for everyone.

Can Debrox damage the eardrum?

Your healthcare professional may recommend medicated ear drops to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System). Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed.