A blocked ear is one of the most common things we’re asked about at Westerhailes Pharmacy. Your hearing goes muffled, the ear feels full, and sometimes there’s a ringing that won’t go away. In most cases the cause is a build-up of ear wax, and it’s very treatable.
This guide explains how to tell whether wax is the problem, what to try at home first, how ear wax removal by microsuction compares with ear syringing, and when you should see your GP instead. If you’d rather speak to someone now, our pharmacists can look in your ear at our ear clinic in the Westerhailes Centre.
Is it ear wax? The common signs
Ear wax is made by your ear canal to keep it clean and protected, and it normally works its way out on its own. Sometimes it builds up and blocks the ear instead. According to NHS inform, a build-up can cause:
- Muffled or reduced hearing, often in one ear
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Tinnitus, such as ringing, buzzing or rustling
- Earache or discomfort
- Itching in or around the ear
Some people are simply more prone to it. You’re more likely to get a build-up if you naturally make a lot of wax or have hard, dry wax, have narrow or hairy ear canals, are older (wax gets drier with age), or regularly put things in your ears, such as cotton buds, ear plugs, earphones or hearing aids.
Step one: try ear drops for up to a week
If the wax is only causing mild symptoms, softening drops from a pharmacy are the first thing to try. They loosen the wax so it can come out on its own. Common types include olive oil, sodium bicarbonate and almond oil drops.
- Use them as the leaflet says, usually for up to a week.
- Your hearing may get slightly worse for a day or two as the wax softens. That’s normal.
- Don’t use drops if you have, or might have, a hole or tear in your eardrum.
- Don’t use almond oil drops if you have a nut allergy.
Not sure which drops to choose? Ask at the counter and we’ll recommend one that suits you.
What not to do
It’s tempting to dig the wax out, but this usually makes things worse. Don’t use cotton buds, fingers, hair grips or anything else inside the ear canal. They push wax deeper, pack it harder and can scratch the canal or damage the eardrum. Ear candles aren’t a safe or effective alternative either.
Ear wax removal: microsuction vs ear syringing
If drops haven’t cleared the blockage after a week, the wax may need to be removed. There are two main methods.
| Microsuction | Ear irrigation (modern “syringing”) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A gentle suction device lifts the wax out while the clinician looks into the ear | An electric pump flushes the wax out with a controlled flow of water |
| Water used? | No, it’s a dry method | Yes |
| What it feels like | A loud hissing or whooshing sound, usually quick and comfortable | Usually painless, with a feeling of water in the ear |
| Where to get it | Private clinics such as our ear clinic, or by NHS referral | Some GP practices |
Old-style ear syringing with a hand-held metal syringe has largely been replaced by electronic irrigation, which is gentler and more controlled. That’s why you’ll still see people searching for “ear syringing near me”. Both methods work well for the right person, and neither is suitable for everyone. At Westerhailes Pharmacy we offer ear wax removal by microsuction, which avoids water altogether.
Can my GP remove ear wax?
NHS inform advises speaking to your GP practice if you’re worried about your symptoms, or if ear drops haven’t helped after a week. The practice may offer ear irrigation, or refer you for microsuction. If those don’t help, your GP can refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Some people prefer not to wait for an appointment or a referral, or want the wax removed without water. In that case you can book ear wax removal privately with us. You don’t need a GP referral. For other common illnesses, you can also get free NHS advice and treatment from our pharmacists through Pharmacy First.
Ear wax removal at Westerhailes Pharmacy
Our ear clinic is inside Westerhailes Pharmacy at Units 27-29, Westerhailes Centre, Westside Plaza, Edinburgh EH14 2SW, with parking close by (see directions and opening hours). Here’s what to expect:
- Book online or ask in store. Choose the ear clinic on our booking page, or call 0131 275 4660 if you’re not sure which appointment you need.
- We check your ear first. Your pharmacist looks inside your ear, asks about your symptoms and explains what they can see.
- Treatment or advice. If wax is the problem and microsuction is suitable, we’ll explain the procedure and remove it. If something else is going on, we’ll tell you and point you to the right place.
Tell us before your appointment if you’ve had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, grommets or an ear infection, so we can check what’s suitable for you.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Ear consultation | £25 |
| Ear wax removal by microsuction, one ear | £35 |
| Ear wax removal by microsuction, both ears | £60 |
Please confirm the current price when you book.
When to see a GP or get urgent help instead
Not every blocked ear is wax. Don’t wait for a routine appointment if you have:
- Sudden hearing loss, or hearing that has got worse over days or weeks
- Hearing loss with earache, fluid or pus coming from the ear
- Severe pain, swelling or a high temperature
- Dizziness or a spinning feeling
- Something stuck in your ear
Contact your GP practice for an urgent appointment, or call NHS 24 on 111 when your practice is closed.
How to stop ear wax building up again
- Leave your ears alone. The outer ear can be wiped with a cloth, but nothing needs to go inside.
- If you’re prone to build-ups, ask us whether using softening drops now and then would help you.
- If you wear hearing aids or earplugs, keep them clean and mention them at your appointment, as they make build-up more likely.
Frequently asked questions
Is microsuction painful?
Most people find microsuction comfortable. You’ll hear a loud hissing or whooshing noise while the suction is working, and some people feel briefly light-headed. Tell your pharmacist at any point if you’d like them to stop.
Do I need to use ear drops before microsuction?
Softening the wax with drops for a few days beforehand can make removal easier, but it isn’t always needed. Ask when you book and we’ll tell you what to do before your appointment.
Do I need a GP referral for ear wax removal?
No. You can book our ear clinic directly online, in store or by phone.
How much does ear wax removal cost in Edinburgh?
At Westerhailes Pharmacy, microsuction costs £35 for one ear or £60 for both, and an ear consultation costs £25. Please confirm the current price when you book.
Is microsuction better than ear syringing?
Neither is better for everyone. Microsuction is a dry method, so it avoids putting water in the ear, and the clinician can see the ear canal while working. Irrigation is also effective and is offered by some GP practices. Your pharmacist or GP will advise which suits you.
Can I have microsuction if I have a perforated eardrum or grommets?
Tell us when you book. Depending on your history, microsuction may still be possible, or we may advise you to be seen by your GP or an ENT clinic instead.
Book ear wax removal in Wester Hailes
If drops haven’t worked, or you’d like your ear checked by a pharmacist, book online or call us on 0131 275 4660. We’re open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5:30pm, inside the Westerhailes Centre. You can find out more about the service and prices on our ear clinic page, read about our pharmacy team, or see our other pharmacy services.