Earwax Removal Service
On this page
Signs you need earwax removal
Earwax buildup can lead to the following symptoms:
- hearing loss
- earache
- feeling like your ears feel blocked
- tinnitus (a persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears)
- itching in your ears
These can all be signs that you may need earwax removal.
You can book into a location near you to see one of our specially trained healthcare team who can examine your ears and remove the buildup.
The cost of the service is £60*, if no wax is identified as part of your consultation, there is no charge.
Our in-store Earwax Removal Service is available in 62 stores, book your appointment now.
Book an Earwax Removal appointment
Book your appointment
Book your appointment online by clicking the Book Now button or in-store.
Before your appointment
In preparation for your earwax removal appointment, it's required that you use olive oil spray or drops once or twice a day for five days before your appointment.†
Attend your appointment
During the 30-minute appointment, a trained healthcare team member will examine your ear and remove earwax if present. The cost of the service is £60*. If no wax is identified during your consulation, there is no charge.
Is this service right for you?
The earwax removal service is suitable for adults aged 18 years and over. The service is not suitable if you have:
- a current ear infection
- recently (within 90 days) had ear surgery
- suddenly lost your hearing (within one week)
The cost of the service is £60*, if no wax is identified as part of your consultation, there is no charge.
If you have any questions, please speak to a member of the team at a store that offers the Boots Earwax Removal Service.
Contact your GP if you have had recent ear pain, ear infections, fluid or discharge from the ear or any other concerns.
What is earwax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural, waxy substance produced by the ears. It is something everyone has, as it helps protect the ear canals and is therefore vital for maintaining ear health.
It's a mixture of things but usually consists of dead skin cells, secretions from the ear such as cerumen (a wax-like substance), dust etc.
It protects your ears by:
- preventing water from going into your ear
- trapping dirt and dust
- reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi
For most people, earwax is naturally removed and will come out by itself. However, some people find that earwax builds up and blocks the ear canal, which then may require removal.
What causes excess earwax?
There can be a variety of reasons why people have excess earwax & need support removing it:
- You may naturally produce earwax quicker than the ear removes it, which can then cause a build up and blockage
- You may have a smaller ear canal, which leads to a build-up
- As you get older, particularly over 50, your earwax begins to dry, and your hair in the ear canal becomes thicker, which causes blockages
- Using cotton buds can push earwax deeper into the ear
- Hearing aids, earplugs and in-ear headphones may push earwax deeper into the ear
Different methods of earwax removal
Healthcare professionals use various methods to remove earwax build-up, each with their benefits, and the choice of method depends on your specific needs.
What is microsuction earwax removal?
Microsuction uses a small suction tool which gently and carefully removes excess earwax from the ear canal. Microsuction is thought to be safer and more effective than other manual methods of earwax removal. At Boots, the Earwax Removal Service uses a microsuction technique to remove excess earwax from the ear canal.
What is ear syringing?
Another method used to remove excess earwax is ear syringing, which involves pushing water through the ear canal to flush out the excess earwax. Although it can be successful, it can have side effects and possible complications, for example, ear infections or impacted earwax. Ear syringing is not used for the Boots Earwax Removal Service.
How can I remove earwax at home?
You should always get advice from a professional if you are concerned about earwax build-up. For safe and effective earwax removal, it's best to see a specialist. However, you may want to know how to manage persistent earwax at home.
Do’s
- Speak to your GP, pharmacist or audiologist before putting anything in your ears or attempting to remove earwax at home
- Use a warm cloth to clean the outside of your ears and remove any excess earwax without putting anything in your ear
- Use earwax softening drops as recommended by your GP, pharmacist or audiologist.
- Only use an olive oil product to soften earwax if recommended by your GP, pharmacist or audiologist
Don’ts
- Don’t use cotton buds or anything to push earwax further into your ear, causing blockages or injury
- Don’t use ear candles to remove earwax
- Don’t put hydrogen peroxide in your ears to remove earwax;
- Don’t try to remove impacted earwax at home; seek professional help it is not safe and can cause irritation or damage.
- Do not use an at-home earwax removal kit without first getting advice from your GP, pharmacist or audiologist. Over-the-counter kits may not be suitable for everyone, and improper use can lead to complications or damage.
Related products
Frequently asked questions
Earwax removal services are not widely provided by the NHS, so it's a good idea to consult your GP surgery to see if this option is available to you. If your GP suspects that your earwax build-up is related to hearing loss, they may refer you to a specialist. Boots provides an Earwax Removal Service that uses microsuction to clear earwax buildup, and it costs just £60*.
Microsuction is considered safer and more effective than ear syringing, as it avoids touching the ear canal and eardrum. However, the best method for earwax removal depends on the individual. The audiologist or healthcare professional will advise you on the best method for you.
Tinnitus, the perception of sound, usually buzzing or ringing, without an external source can be a symptom of excess earwax build-up. This should go away after the earwax build-up is removed. Very rarely, the noise from microsuction may cause tinnitus; however, this usually only lasts for a few hours or days.
After earwax removal, your ear canal may feel slightly sensitive for a short period. During this time, keep your ears dry to prevent irritation or infection.
Earwax removal is generally painless. It can be noisy, and some people may experience mild discomfort, but it is usually quick and well-tolerated.
If you’re prone to excess earwax or experience symptoms like hearing loss associated with earwax build-up, it’s best to get your ears checked once or twice a year.
*£60 is the service fee. If there is no wax, there is no charge. It's rare to need more than one appointment, however, if follow-up appointments are required, these will be charged at the £60 service fee.
†Failure to use olive oil before your appointment could cause a subsequent charge as additional appointments may be required.
2Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
9Eligibility and charges apply. In selected pharmacies, subject to availability. Consultation fee may apply.
12For patients registered with a participating GP surgery only. Free home postal delivery is only available to patients registered with a GP in England; the option to collect in-store is available for all customers registered with a participating GP anywhere in the UK. NHS Prescriptions charges may apply.
17Over18s only. Subject to store appointment availability, available on non-custom tech
32Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply.
