Next-day appointments available
Book an appointment at one of our branches for next-day service.
About ear wax
Earwax is a natural substance that forms in the ear canal and protects the inner ear from dirt, dust and other foreign particles. Its consistency can range from dry to wet, typically yellow or brown. When too much wax build-up (known as impacted earwax), it can cause problems with hearing.
Regularly cleaning the outer ear with cotton swabs or other items should be avoided as this can push the wax further down into the ear canal, leading to impacted earwax. Instead, an over-the-counter earwax softener can help remove the wax safely and effectively. We understand the importance of healthy ears and are here to help keep them that way.
What causes ear wax build-up?
Some common causes of excess build-up include:
An overly active production of cerumen due to genetics or medical conditions like allergies or eczema
The use of earbuds, cotton swabs and other objects that push the wax deeper into the ear canal
Excessive exposure to dust, dirt or water
Not cleaning the ears regularly or thoroughly enough
Having narrow or damaged ear canals
Having lots of hair in your ear canals
Having a skin condition affecting your scalp or around your ear
Having an inflammation of your ear canal (otitis externa or "swimmer's ear")
Available service options
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.
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Ear Wax Removal - Consultation Only
£25 per patient
During the consultation, our trained staff will examine your ear(s), check for signs of infection or impacted ear wax, and advise as appropriate. If required, you can then proceed to have your ear wax removed for an additional fee.
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Ear Wax Removal - Single Ear
£55 per patient
Our ear wax removal (ear syringing) service is designed to make the process as painless and effective as possible. We’ll ensure you leave our clinic feeling comfortable with your clean, clear, healthy ears.
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Ear Wax Removal - Both Ears
£75 per patient
Our ear wax removal (ear syringing) service is designed to make the process as painless and effective as possible. We’ll ensure you leave our clinic feeling comfortable with your clean, clear, healthy ears.
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Ear Wax Removal - Both Ears (Age 65+)
£60 per patient
Our ear wax removal (ear syringing) service is designed to make the process as painless and effective as possible. We’ll ensure you leave our clinic feeling comfortable with your clean, clear, healthy ears.
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Ear Wax Removal - Single Ear (Age 65+)
£45 per patient
Our ear wax removal (ear syringing) service is designed to make the process as painless and effective as possible. We’ll ensure you leave our clinic feeling comfortable with your clean, clear, healthy ears.
Prefer to book this service over the phone?
Call us on 0113 322 9984
Before your appointment
Use olive oil ear drops 2-4 times daily for 7 to 10 days before your appointment to soften the wax
Avoid wearing your hearing aid(s) (if you wear one) after you put olive oil in your ears, as you could damage them
If you experience a foul taste after using olive oil, stop using it immediately and contact us or your GP, as this could signify a hole in your eardrum
What to expect at the appointment
The appointment will last roughly 30 minutes
We will ask some questions, explain the process, and ensure you are happy before obtaining your consent to proceed
We will use an otoscope (magnifier with a light) to check for infection or ear drum damage
We will syringe extra ear wax using the irrigation method. It may feel strange having something in your ear, but this shouldn't hurt and is a safe and effective way to remove ear wax
If ear wax removal fails, we will reschedule you for free. One follow-up is allowed
If there is no wax to remove you, you will be charged a consultation fee and refunded the rest
What our customers think
5 out of 5 stars
The Pharmacist who checked my BP was friendly and helpful and answered a query. It only took a few moments to check.
Gary Allen
5 out of 5 stars
Thank you so much you did great would recommend to anyone.keep up the good professional work.
Patrick Cullimore
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service definitely would recommend, managed to get me appointment same day young lady was so professional in explaining and carrying out the treatment, feeling much better now, thank you.
Lee Robertshaw
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent service received at Midway pharmacy Middleton Leeds yesterday both ears were totally blocked and the young girl that performed the syringing was friendly and explained what was happening clearly and efficiently all done in 10 minutes can hear again now fantastic!
Jane Cooper
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our customer care team or chat with us.
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Can ear wax cause pain when flying?
Unless the ears are entirely obstructed, ear wax does not impact flying.
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Can I get my hearing tested on the same day as my ear wax removal appointment?
No, you must wait 24 hours after ear wax removal before any clinical procedures on the ear, including a hearing examination. Equipment noise during the appointment temporarily shifts hearing thresholds.
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Do you need to have your ear wax removed before a hearing test?
Hearing tests rarely need ear syringing. Wax in the ears is healthy and does not affect hearing tests. However, if you have a lot of wax in your ears, you should have your practice nurse or GP check them before a hearing test.
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How can you remove ear wax yourself
Ear wax falls out naturally. If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2–3 drops of medical-grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3–4 times a day for 3–5 days. Use a dropper and lie on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work through your ear canal (s) in the morning and before bed.
Earwax should fall out over two weeks, especially at night.
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How do you prevent ear wax build-up?
You cannot prevent earwax. It's there to protect your ears from dirt and germs. But you can keep using eardrops for a few days to soften the wax, help it fall out independently, and prevent blocked ears.
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How often should I remove ear wax?
Everyone produces wax at different rates. Some people need regular ear wax appointments, but others don't. Your GP or hearing health specialist can evaluate your ears if you're concerned about earwax production. They'll suggest the best treatment.
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Is ear wax removal available for free on the NHS?
Some GP practices may offer ear wax removal services, but more and more have stopped offering this service. You can check with your GP practice if this service is available, and if not, we provide a private ear wax removal service at Midway Pharmacy.
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Should I remove ear wax?
Ear wax removal is unnecessary since your ears self-clean. However, excessive wax production can cause hearing loss.
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What are the symptoms of ear wax build-up?
Symptoms of earwax build-up include:
Hearing loss
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Itching inside or outside the ear
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
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Where is this service available?
This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.
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Are next-day appointments available?
Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.
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Next-day appointments are available at our branches.