Ear Wax Removal in Altrincham: Microsuction, Irrigation or Dry Removal?

Signs you might need ear wax removal

A build-up of wax can cause:

• hearing that seems quieter or less clear, often in one ear
• a plugged or full feeling that doesn't clear
• discomfort or a feeling of pressure
• persistent itching
• ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
• feeling dizzy or a little unsteady

These symptoms can have other causes too, which is why we always look in your ears properly before doing anything.

Microsuction

Microsuction uses a small, gentle suction device to lift the wax out while your audiologist looks into your ear under magnification. No water goes into the ear canal, and it's especially useful for hard or compacted wax. You'll hear some sucking and popping noises, but most people find it comfortable. At Altrincham Hearing Centre, microsuction is always carried out by one of our audiologists.

Irrigation

You may know this as "ear syringing". Old-fashioned syringing used a large metal syringe, but modern irrigation is quite different. It uses a controlled, gentle flow of water at body temperature to wash the wax out. It can work well for softer wax, and some people simply prefer it.

Dry removal

For wax that's sitting near the entrance of the ear canal, we can sometimes remove it using small, specialist instruments, with no suction or water needed. It's quick and quiet, and handy for small amounts of wax.

How we choose the right method

You don't need to decide which method you'd like before you arrive. We'll start by examining your ears and asking about your symptoms and any history of ear problems, such as a perforated eardrum or previous ear surgery. Then we'll recommend the safest and most suitable method for you, and talk it through before we begin. Sometimes we'll use a combination.

We can also help if something other than wax has found its way into your ear, such as the tip of a cotton bud or a piece of an earbud.

What to expect at your appointment

• Time: about 20 minutes, including the assessment, removal from one or both ears, and aftercare advice.
• Price: £60, covering both ears.
• Follow-up (if needed): £20.
• If there's no wax to remove: £20 for the assessment.
• Same-day appointments: often available, so it's worth calling if your ears are bothering you today.
• No GP referral needed.

Getting ready: if you can, use olive oil ear drops for 3 to 5 days beforehand, 2 to 3 drops in the affected ear twice a day. This softens the wax. If you haven't managed it, don't worry; we can usually still go ahead.

Please don't reach for the cotton buds

It's tempting, but cotton buds, fingers and hairgrips tend to push wax further in, and they can scratch or damage the delicate skin of the ear canal. Leave the inside of your ears alone, and let us take a look if they feel blocked.

When to see your GP or call NHS 111 instead

Please get medical advice rather than booking wax removal if you have severe ear pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, a high temperature, or a sudden loss of hearing. We don't provide ear wax removal for children, so if your child's ears are troubling you, your GP is the best place to start.

Wear hearing aids?

Wax can block the speaker of a hearing aid and make it sound weak or crackly. Bring your hearing aids along to your appointment and we'll give them a check too.

Ear care on your doorstep

We're a family-owned, independent hearing centre, run by a husband-and-wife team of audiologists, and we treat every patient like family. Whether you're coming from Altrincham town centre, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley, Sale or elsewhere in Trafford, you'll get unhurried care and honest advice.

Book ear wax removal in Altrincham

Call us on 0161 989 1288 or book online. We're open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm, at 24 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2PU.