Ear Wax Removal in Edgware
Blocked or muffled hearing usually comes down to a build-up of ear wax, and it’s one of the quickest problems a pharmacist can put right. Our microsuction service clears it safely, without the wait for a GP appointment.
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Fairview Pharmacy, 293-295 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, HA8 5ED
Signs of an Ear Wax Build-Up
| Hearing loss or muffled hearing |
| Earache or a feeling of fullness |
| Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) |
| Dizziness or a sense of vertigo |
Book Your Appointment
Choose a time that suits you using the calendar below.
What the Service Involves
Everyone produces ear wax (cerumen). It’s a normal, protective substance that traps dust and dirt and helps guard against ear infections. Most of the time it clears on its own. When it doesn’t, and builds up enough to block the canal, that’s when hearing and comfort start to suffer.
Not every GP practice offers ear wax removal, and NHS availability for it is limited. At Fairview Pharmacy you can be seen quickly, without a referral. One of our pharmacists will assess your ears and recommend the right treatment, most often microsuction.
Microsuction is the safest and most effective way to remove excess wax. A small suction tube and probe gently loosens and removes the wax under direct vision, without flushing water into the ear canal.
| Before your appointment: use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops for 5 to 7 days beforehand. This softens the wax and makes removal quicker, often avoiding a follow up visit. Skip the drops if you have a perforated eardrum. |
What Causes Wax to Build Up
| • A narrow, curved or previously damaged ear canal |
| • Skin conditions affecting the scalp or the area around the ear |
| • Excess hair inside the ear canal |
| • Inflammation of the canal, including otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) |
| • Regular use of earbuds or hearing aids, which can push wax further in |
Wax production itself can’t be stopped, since it protects the ear. Regular use of olive oil drops helps soften wax so it clears naturally and is less likely to build up again.
Ear Wax Removal Service, Prices
Every visit starts with a short screening consultation, so we only recommend microsuction if you actually need it.
| Service | Price |
| Initial ear wax screening consultation | £20 |
| Microsuction (one or both ears) | £50 |
| Follow up microsuction appointment (if required) | £20 |
| Hearing test | £10 |
Microsuction is priced per visit, not per ear, so both ears are covered in the £50 appointment.
What Happens at Your Appointment
|
Step 1 Screening Consultation Our pharmacist examines your ears to confirm a wax blockage and check the treatment is right for you. |
Step 2 Microsuction Wax is gently loosened and removed using a fine suction probe, under direct vision throughout. |
Step 3 Aftercare Advice You’ll leave with practical guidance on preventing build-up, including how and when to use olive oil drops. |
| When to see your GP instead: if symptoms persist for more than 5 days despite using softening drops, or your ear is badly blocked and hearing has been affected, since an unresolved blockage can lead to infection. If you have severe pain, discharge, or sudden hearing loss, contact your GP or NHS 111 rather than booking this service. |
Common Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with our pharmacist without seeing your GP first.
Is microsuction painful?
It’s generally well tolerated. Most people feel a mild tickling sensation rather than discomfort, and there’s no water involved.
Do I really need to use drops beforehand?
It isn’t compulsory, but 5 to 7 days of olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops beforehand softens the wax, makes removal faster, and reduces the chance you’ll need a follow up appointment.
Can you treat both ears in one visit?
Yes. The £50 microsuction price covers one or both ears in the same appointment.
What if I have a perforated eardrum?
Let us know when you book. Avoid using oil or sodium bicarbonate drops beforehand, and our pharmacist will advise on the safest approach at your consultation.
Ready to Hear Clearly Again? Book Your Appointment At Our Clinic in Seconds
If wax build-up is affecting your hearing or comfort, our pharmacists in Edgware can see you quickly, no GP referral needed. Use the calendar below to choose a time that suits you.
