This article is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak to our pharmacist or your GP about your individual circumstances before starting any treatment.

Blocked, muffled hearing or a nagging sense of fullness in your ear is more common than most people realise — and more fixable, too. Ear wax removal has changed significantly in recent years, with microsuction now widely replacing the ear syringing many of us remember from childhood GP visits. Here's how the two compare, and what to expect from a modern ear wax removal appointment.

Why Ear Wax Builds Up

Ear wax (cerumen) is a completely normal, healthy substance that protects and lubricates the ear canal. Usually, it works its way out on its own through everyday jaw movement. Problems arise when wax builds up faster than it clears — which can happen due to narrow ear canals, frequent cotton bud use (which often pushes wax further in rather than removing it), hearing aid or earphone use, or simply as a natural part of ageing. When wax accumulates and hardens, it can cause blocked hearing, tinnitus, discomfort, or a persistent feeling of fullness.

Microsuction vs Ear Syringing: What's the Difference?

For decades, ear syringing — flushing the ear canal with water under pressure — was the standard approach to clearing wax. It's largely fallen out of favour, and for good reason. Microsuction has become the preferred method for several clear reasons:

  • No water involved — microsuction uses a fine suction device under direct visualisation, avoiding the risk of water becoming trapped or causing infection.
  • More precise — the practitioner can see directly into the ear canal throughout the procedure, rather than working blind.
  • Lower risk of eardrum damage — syringing relies on water pressure, which carries a higher risk of perforation in certain ear conditions.
  • Suitable for more people — including those with a history of ear infections, perforated eardrums, or previous ear surgery, where syringing would often be unsuitable.
  • Generally more comfortable — most patients find microsuction quick and well-tolerated.

Because of these advantages, most modern ear care services — including ours — now offer microsuction as standard, rather than traditional syringing.

Preparing for Your Appointment: Olive Oil Drops

Preparation makes a real difference to how straightforward your appointment will be. We ask patients to use medicated olive oil drops in the affected ear for five days before their appointment. This softens hardened wax, making it significantly easier — and more comfortable — to remove during microsuction. Skipping this step can mean wax is too hard to clear effectively, sometimes requiring a follow-up visit. Our team will explain exactly how to use the drops correctly when you book.

What Happens During Your Appointment

Your appointment begins with a thorough examination of both ears using an otoscope, allowing our experienced staff to see exactly what's going on before recommending next steps. If wax is present and removal is appropriate, microsuction is carried out using a gentle, controlled suction device — most patients describe hearing a vacuum-like sound but little to no discomfort. The whole process is usually quick, and many patients notice improved hearing immediately afterward.

If the examination doesn't find significant wax buildup, we won't proceed with unnecessary treatment. In that case, only the £20 examination fee applies, and our pharmacist will talk through what else might be causing your symptoms — since blocked-feeling ears aren't always caused by wax.

Pricing

Ear wax removal at Ongar Road Pharmacy is priced at £30 for one ear and £55 for two ears, covering your full examination and treatment. As above, if no wax is found, only a £20 examination fee applies.

When to Seek Removal Sooner Rather Than Later

It's easy to put off dealing with blocked ears, especially if hearing loss has crept up gradually. But untreated wax buildup can worsen over time, sometimes leading to increased discomfort, tinnitus, or a higher risk of ear infection. If you're noticing muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, mild dizziness, or ringing in one or both ears, it's worth booking an assessment rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.

Book Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment in Brentwood

Ongar Road Pharmacy offers professional microsuction ear wax removal for patients across Brentwood and Essex. Remember to start your olive oil drops five days before your appointment, then call us on 01277 211 599 or book online to get your hearing back to normal.