Frequently asked questions

Yes — our Glasgow clinic offers a same-day appointment guarantee, and same-day slots are available in Manchester too. Call as early as possible or book online.

No — the procedure is gentle, safe and pain-free. You may feel light suction or water flow, and our clinicians will adjust or pause at any time if you feel discomfort.

Using olive oil or softening drops for 2–3 days beforehand helps, but it is not mandatory — still attend, especially for same-day appointments. Avoid cotton buds and ear candles.

We treat adults and children aged 5 and above. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Let us know about any pre-existing ear conditions on arrival.

Typically 10–15 minutes: a short health questionnaire, a visual ear health check, the treatment itself, then a re-check and aftercare advice.

A £20 consultation fee applies, covering the clinician’s time and a full ear health assessment. Payment is taken after treatment, by cash or card.

Your clinician decides on the day, after examining your ears — microsuction, water irrigation or manual removal. All three are available at every appointment and cost the same.

Yes — home visits are available across Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and surrounding areas, from £74.99 including clinician travel.

We provide receipts for private health insurance claims on request — check your policy covers ear wax removal.

Keep ears dry for 24 hours if you’ve had irrigation, and avoid cotton buds. Your clinician gives tailored aftercare advice, and follow-up is free if hard wax needs a second visit.

Booking online is the quickest way to book your ear wax removal appointment. If you prefer to book by telephone, call us on 0141 459 0005 (Glasgow) or 0161 399 5268 (Manchester). Home visit appointments need to be booked by telephone so we can understand the patient's needs and any additional requirements.

Yes — children can safely undergo ear wax removal at our clinic. We are one of the few licensed ear care clinics equipped to treat patients of all ages, including children. As long as your child can stay relatively still during the procedure, we can ensure safe and effective treatment. Our clinic is designed to be child-friendly, with techniques and a setting tailored to younger patients.

Completely normal — and you're in safe hands. Ear wax removal is a routine, generally painless procedure, and we treat thousands of ears every month. Our team takes the time to explain the whole process from start to finish: how the procedure works, what to expect during your appointment, and how to maintain healthy ears going forward. Your comfort and wellbeing are our top priority.

If you attend your appointment and we do not discover wax, you will be charged a £20 consultation fee. This covers your full ear health check and any advice needed to keep your ears healthy. If further medical intervention is required, we will coordinate directly with your GP or ENT clinic to make sure you receive the care you need.

Ear wax removal is generally a very low-risk procedure, but as with any medical treatment there are some potential side effects, though they are uncommon. These can include temporary dizziness, mild discomfort, or a brief ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus). Our NHS-trained specialists take every necessary precaution to reduce these risks. After booking, you'll receive an email with a consent form that explains the procedure and outlines any potential risks, so you're fully informed before treatment.

Our clinics use a number of approved methods, including microsuction, irrigation (which replaces ear syringing) and manual removal using specialised tools (instrumentation). The choice depends on your condition, the consistency and amount of ear wax, and personal comfort. Our NHS-trained aural care specialists determine the most effective approach for each case after your initial consultation and initial photographs.

We'd advise caution. Over-the-counter products and home remedies carry real risks: limited effectiveness for many types of blockage, the risk of pushing wax deeper and worsening the impaction, the risk of damaging the delicate structures of the ear — leading to pain, infection or even hearing loss — and the possibility of disrupting the ear canal's natural environment. For these reasons, we strongly recommend that ear wax removal is performed by NHS-trained specialists.

Yes — ear wax removal can lead to significant improvements in hearing, particularly when the build-up has been substantial enough to block the ear canal. Wax can create a physical barrier that stops sound reaching the eardrum, causing muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss. Once the wax is safely removed, many patients notice an immediate improvement in clarity, along with relief from any discomfort or fullness the blockage was causing.

Yes — many private health insurance plans cover ear wax removal, though coverage varies by policy and provider, so we recommend checking with your insurer before booking. If you're covered, simply request a detailed receipt at your appointment showing the procedure and costs, and submit it to your insurer for reimbursement. Our team is happy to help with any additional documentation your claim may need.

Microsuction is a highly effective and precise method of ear wax removal — often compared to a tiny vacuum cleaner for your ear. A specialised, gentle suction device removes wax without touching the sensitive structures inside your ear, and most patients describe a light tugging sensation rather than discomfort. It's performed under direct visualisation using magnified glasses, giving the specialist a clear view inside the ear canal — ideal for wax that is hard, impacted or deep. Because the ear canal is small and delicate, microsuction should only ever be performed by a trained professional.

Irrigation is like giving your ear canal a gentle, controlled shower. Warm water is carefully introduced into the ear canal to soften and dislodge ear wax, which is then flushed out naturally — a sensation a little like water entering your ear while swimming, but far more controlled. Our specialists assess your ear first to set the right water pressure and temperature. Irrigation is especially good at reaching wax that has hardened or sits deeper in the canal, but it should only be performed by a trained professional, as improper technique can push wax further in or damage the ear canal or eardrum.

No — you should never insert anything into your ear smaller than your elbow. That's right: nothing at all. Cotton buds aren't designed for cleaning inside ears (just check the packaging). Ear wax normally falls out on its own as part of the ear's natural cleaning process, and cotton buds tend to push wax deeper, compressing it against the eardrum — which can cause blockages, reduced hearing and a higher risk of infection. Genetics, earphones, earplugs and hearing aids can also stop wax leaving the ear naturally. If you think you have a build-up, seek professional advice rather than reaching for a cotton bud.

No — UK Ear Care focuses on the safe, pain-free removal of ear wax. This allows us to be impartial about the need for hearing aids and other treatments.

Our Glasgow clinic is just minutes from the city centre with great access by road, train, subway or bus, and lots of free parking around the clinic. We're open until 9pm, 7 days a week. As we are on the first floor we have limited wheelchair accessibility — if this is required, please call 0141 459 0005 to book a home visit.

No — booking online or by telephone is free, and we only charge after treatment. We accept payment by cash or card.

We offer free cancellations and appointment changes up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you cannot attend, we appreciate notification by email or phone so we can make the space available for other patients. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged a £20 fee to cover missed clinical time.

Yes — only UK Ear Care guarantees a same-day appointment for ear wax removal at our Glasgow clinic. Be seen in as little as one hour using our simple online booking system.