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Nothing is charged to you here, and what you send goes to one independent hearing specialist. Other quotations are yours to gather if you wish, the privacy notice explains the route your information takes, and when the enquiry is passed on the specialist may pay us.

Ear wax removal

Ear wax removal across Glasgow

A blocked ear makes everything sound distant and muffled. An audiologist examines the canal first to see whether wax is actually the cause. If it is, they clear it safely using microsuction or irrigation during one appointment.

  • Canal examined before any work begins
  • Microsuction or irrigation as needed
  • Practices covering all of Glasgow
Healthcare professional examining patient's ear with an otoscope in a clinical setting.

How it works

Clearing a blocked ear

Otoscope examination
The audiologist inspects the eardrum and canal to confirm that wax is causing the blockage and that the drum is intact.
Softening drops
If the wax is hard, olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops may be advised for several days before the appointment to loosen it.
Microsuction
A small vacuum tube draws softened wax out of the canal under direct vision. This is the most common method used in clinics.
Irrigation
A controlled stream of warm water flushes wax from the canal. The audiologist uses this when the eardrum is healthy and suction alone is not enough.
When wax is not the cause
If the examination shows something else, such as fluid behind the eardrum, the audiologist will explain what they found and suggest next steps.
A young girl with long dark hair covering her ear in a thoughtful pose.

Why does my ear feel blocked?

Wax builds up naturally and sometimes packs tightly against the eardrum. Sound cannot pass through properly, so hearing drops suddenly or fades over a few days. Other conditions can feel identical, which is why an examination comes first.

  1. 1

    Muffled hearing

    Voices and background noise sound distant or underwater. Wax packed against the eardrum often causes this, but so does fluid behind it.

    a man talking on a cell phone
  2. 2

    Fullness in the ear

    A pressure sensation that swallowing does not relieve. Hardened wax pressing on the canal walls commonly produces this feeling.

    a woman is putting a pair of earplugs on her ear
  3. 3

    Ringing or buzzing

    A constant tone that was not there before. Compacted wax can trigger tinnitus, though other causes exist and need ruling out.

    a man with his hands on his face
  4. 4

    Itchiness deep in the canal

    An urge to use a cotton bud that makes things worse. Dry, impacted wax irritates the skin lining the ear.

    hearing aid

Typical costs for ear wax removal

Prices vary because some ears need softening drops and a second visit, while others clear in minutes with suction. Whether one or both ears are treated also changes the total. The practice confirms their fee when they arrange the appointment.

  • Single ear microsuction

    £50 to £80

    Whether the wax is soft enough to clear in one pass or needs more time.

  • Both ears microsuction

    £70 to £120

    The amount of build-up in each canal and how long the procedure takes.

  • Ear irrigation (one ear)

    £40 to £70

    The clinic's equipment and whether a prior examination has already been done.

  • Examination only

    £30 to £50

    Whether the audiologist performs a full hearing check alongside looking at the canal.

These figures indicate what work of this type typically costs in Glasgow. Nothing here is a quotation. Only an examination by the audiologist settles a figure for your ears.

What happens after you enquire

Your details go to one audiology practice covering your part of Glasgow. They read the enquiry, check their availability, and contact you directly to confirm the appointment and their fee.

  1. The same day it is sent

    Your enquiry reaches the practice covering your area of Glasgow. You do not need to do anything else at this point.

  2. Usually within one working day

    The practice calls or messages you to discuss your symptoms, confirm the fee, and find an appointment time that suits.

  3. At the scheduled appointment

    The audiologist examines your ear canal and carries out the removal if wax is confirmed as the cause.

Questions about ear wax removal

Do I need drops beforehand?
Many audiologists recommend olive oil drops for three to five days before the appointment. Soft wax is easier and quicker to remove safely.
Does microsuction hurt?
Most people feel a pulling sensation and hear noise from the suction tube. It should not be painful. Tell the audiologist immediately if it is.
Can I use cotton buds instead?
Cotton buds push wax deeper against the eardrum and risk scratching the canal lining. They make the blockage harder to clear later.
What if it is not wax?
Fluid, infection, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss can feel like a blockage. The otoscope examination identifies these, and the audiologist advises on appropriate next steps.
How long does the appointment take?
A straightforward microsuction usually takes fifteen to thirty minutes. Irrigation or heavy build-up in both ears can take longer.

Get your hearing back to normal

Send an enquiry to have an audiologist examine your ear and clear the wax safely at a local Glasgow practice.

Enquire about ear wax removal Read about the process
Healthcare professional examining patient's ear with an otoscope in a clinical setting.