Professional Earwax Removal in Scotland
Blocked ears can affect your hearing, cause discomfort and make everyday conversations more difficult. Right Medicine Pharmacy provides private earwax removal using microsuction at participating pharmacies across Scotland.
Appointments are carried out by specially trained clinicians and usually last approximately 30 minutes. Your clinician will examine your ears, explain the procedure and determine whether microsuction is suitable before treatment begins.
Prices start from £30 for one ear or £50 for both ears.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect and clean the ear canal. It usually moves out of the ear without treatment, but it can sometimes accumulate and form a blockage.
Some people produce more earwax than others. A build-up may also be more likely if you use hearing aids, earplugs or in-ear headphones, or if you try to clean the ear canal using cotton buds or other objects. These can push wax further into the ear rather than removing it.
You can learn more about common causes and safe self-care on the NHS Inform earwax build-up page.
Signs of an Earwax Build-Up
A blocked ear can cause several symptoms. Consider arranging an ear assessment if you experience:
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- A blocked or full sensation in one or both ears
- Earache or discomfort
- Itching inside the ear
- Ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Dizziness or problems with balance
- Difficulty using a hearing aid effectively
These symptoms are not always caused by earwax. Ear pain, discharge, significant dizziness or changes to hearing can have other causes and may require medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain, an injury to the ear or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. Do not wait for a routine wax-removal appointment.
What Is Microsuction?
Microsuction is a method of removing excess earwax using a small suction device while the clinician maintains a clear view of the ear canal. Unlike ear irrigation, microsuction does not involve flushing the ear with water.
The clinician uses magnification and lighting to examine the ear throughout the procedure. This allows them to target visible wax carefully while monitoring the ear canal.
Microsuction is commonly used for earwax removal, but no clinical procedure is entirely free from discomfort or risk. Your clinician will explain what to expect and ask for your consent before proceeding. If treatment is unsuitable or the wax cannot be removed safely, you will be advised about the appropriate next step.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Right Medicine Pharmacy requires you to use olive-oil ear drops for at least seven days before your appointment, unless our pharmacy team advises otherwise.
Contact the pharmacy before using ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, previous ear surgery or are unsure whether they are suitable for you.
Follow the instructions supplied with the drops or any directions provided by the pharmacy team. Do not insert cotton buds, fingers, ear candles or other objects into the ear canal.
Unless the pharmacy team has advised otherwise, the clinician may be unable to perform the procedure if you have not completed the required preparation. In that situation, another appointment may need to be arranged.
What Happens During an Earwax Removal Appointment?
Your appointment will usually take approximately 30 minutes and includes several stages.
1. Ear health assessment
The clinician will ask about your symptoms and relevant ear-health history. Tell them about previous ear surgery, perforated eardrums, infections, hearing aids, ear pain or discharge, and any previous difficulty with wax removal.
2. Otoscopy examination
An otoscope—a light with a magnifying lens—is used to examine your ear canal and eardrum. This allows the clinician to check whether wax is present and whether microsuction appears suitable.
3. Explanation and consent
The clinician will explain the equipment, procedure and relevant risks. You will have an opportunity to ask questions before being asked to provide consent.
4. Microsuction
If treatment is appropriate, the clinician will use magnification and a small suction tube to remove accessible wax carefully. You may hear noise from the equipment and feel some movement inside the ear.
5. Final check
Your ears will be examined again after the procedure. If some wax cannot be removed safely, the clinician will explain what to do next and whether another appointment or medical assessment is recommended.
Earwax Removal Prices
- Microsuction for both ears: £50
- Microsuction for one ear: £30
- Otoscopy-only appointment: £10
An otoscopy-only appointment involves examining the ears without carrying out wax removal. This can help establish whether wax is present and whether further treatment may be appropriate.
Booking Deposit and Rescheduling
A £10 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your appointment. The deposit will be deducted from the total cost of your treatment on the day.
If you need to change your appointment, the pharmacy can reschedule it when at least 24 hours’ notice is provided. Please contact the team as soon as possible if you cannot attend.
Remember to use olive-oil ear drops for a minimum of seven days beforehand. If the required preparation has not been completed, the procedure cannot be performed and a new appointment will be required.
Looking After Your Ears
Avoid trying to remove wax using cotton buds or objects inserted into the ear. These may push wax further into the canal or cause injury.
If you use hearing aids, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and check them regularly for wax. Excess wax can affect how a hearing aid performs and may cause feedback or whistling.
The RNID earwax guidance provides further information about symptoms, hearing aids and managing ear health.
If your symptoms do not appear to be caused by wax, our Health Advice service can help you identify an appropriate next step.
Why Choose Right Medicine Pharmacy?
Our trained clinicians provide ear assessment and microsuction in a professional pharmacy setting. The service is designed to give you clear information, appropriate preparation guidance and a careful examination before treatment begins.
With participating locations across Scotland, you can access private ear care closer to home. Service availability may vary, so check that your chosen pharmacy provides microsuction before booking.
Book an Earwax Removal Appointment
Book your private earwax removal appointment at a participating Right Medicine Pharmacy. A £10 non-refundable deposit is required and will be deducted from the treatment price.
Before booking, please make sure you can use olive-oil ear drops for at least seven days before the appointment.
You can also find your nearest Right Medicine Pharmacy to visit or contact the team for help.