Is Free Ear Syringing Available on the NHS?
Ear wax syringing is no longer widely accessible for free on the NHS.
This is why Ear View offers affordable ear wax removal over a range of locations across Suffolk. You can book an appointment with us here or call us on 07925 651 116.
Read on to learn more about the decision of the NHS to stop offering free earwax removal.
When did the NHS stop offering Ear Syringing & Wax Removal?
While there is no set date on which the NHS stopped offering free ear wax removal entirely, in September 2020 the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care Edward Argar announced that ear wax removal is “no longer one of the core services GPs are obliged to provide” and was declared an enhanced service.
This led to the decision to stop the funding for free ear wax removal on the NHS.
Why did the NHS stop offering free ear wax removal?
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, GP practices paused face-to-face services which caused long waiting list times for people seeking assistance for the removal of ear wax, and these services were postponed as the ear wax removal service was deemed a non-essential service.
After the statement made by Government minister Edward Argar, ear wax removal is no longer funded by the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) that pay for these services to be carried out.
This means that GP practices do not receive the funding required for ear wax removal procedures, and as a result cannot carry them out for free to patients. Often the decision for CCGs to halt commission of enhanced services is related to the public demand and the cost for the service.
Who is this decision impacting the most?
According to the hearing loss charity RNID, the removal of these free services on the NHS has left close to 10,000,000 UK residents without access to ear wax removal, and is pushing people towards riskier methods to manage their ear health.
Those affected tend to be elderly, disabled or use hearing aids whilst being in the lower income brackets.
Are there some cases where I can still get free ear wax removal on the NHS?
While ear wax removal is no longer widely accessible on the NHS, patients with underlying hearing loss linked to the build up of ear wax may be referred by their GP to audiology services for further treatment.
Those who are having problems relating to ear wax build up are advised to treat themselves at home, speak to a pharmacist, or seek private medical care.
Is there any likelihood of the NHS one day offering free ear wax removal again?
There are currently no plans for the NHS to reinstate free ear wax removal services, or for funding for such services to resume.
Where can I go to get my ears cleaned now?
There are many access routes to getting your ears cleaned professionally. If you are experiencing more complex ear problems or hearing concerns, and there is a medical need for your ears to be cleaned, you may be able to access this service via a GP referral to the ENT department, however wait times for these services can be very long - with North Suffolk and North Essex NHS foundation trust currently seeing patients 19 - 21 weeks after a referral.
The quickest and most reliable route is via a private audiologist.
You can book this service directly with us at Earview for safe, painless, and professional treatment.
We offer appointments in the following areas of Suffolk (including Home Visits)…
If you are unsure whether an earwax removal treatment is suitable for you, you can access ear wax check services at some pharmacies, or from a practice nurse.
Can my Doctor or GP clean my ear wax?
In many cases, your GP will not directly remove your earwax or clean your ears, as mentioned above practices no longer provide routine ear wax removal. However, your GP or practice nurse can assess your ear health, and offer advice on where to access private earwax removal, or methods for at home earwax removal.
In some cases, your GP may refer you to the ENT services for earwax removal, such as: if you are experiencing severe symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or serious discomfort from impacted earwax), if earwax is preventing other tests or treatment (eardrum checks, hearing assessment, an ear mould for a hearing aid), and if you have any factors that may make at home earwax removal unsuitable (prior ear surgery, recent infections, perforated eardrum).
Essentially, to access earwax removal for free on the NHS there must be a clear medical need for it.
Do the NHS still remove ear wax in Emergencies or at A&E?
Generally speaking, no - the NHS will not remove earwax in A&E, unless the earwax is preventing investigation or treatment.
For example, if a patient attends A&E for symptoms such as sudden hearing loss, a foreign object or infection, and a severe earwax build up is obstructing view, preventing investigation, or hindering treatment then earwax removal may be performed.
However, as A&E departments are typically overwhelmed with patients, and are used for urgent or life threatening emergencies, non-urgent earwax removal would not be performed.
What should I do next if I need my ears cleaned?
The current advice available on how to treat ear wax build up at home varies from source to source. While home remedies can help to alleviate symptoms, it is recommended that you speak to a specialist who can help you deal with the problem. Since ear wax removal is no longer widely accessible on the NHS, you’ll need to go private.
But don’t worry, there are some great deals available.
How much should I expect to pay for ear wax removal?
The price of Earwax removal can vary between pathways. A referral through your GP surgery to the ENT department (if a medical need has been determined) is covered under the NHS, however as mentioned previously these services can take a long time, so although there is no cost you will be required to wait between 4-5 months for an appointment.
Private earwax removal clinics range from £40 - £80 around the Suffolk area, with some charging up to £50 extra for home visits.
Here at Ear View, we charge £49.50 for Earwax removal (for both ears) - and with locations in Aldeburgh, Alderton, Bury St. Edmunds, Ipswich, Mendlesham, Needham Market, Stowmarket and Woodbridge - we cover a vast area of Suffolk with no long wait times.
For those unable to travel, we also offer home visits at no extra charge.
Book in with us today for quick, professional and safe treatment for your ears.
What other options are available to help my ears outside of syringing and microsuction?
We strongly advice against using DIY ear cameras, cotton buds, hydrogen peroxide or ear candles to help with ear wax issues. Click each link to find out why.
A recommended home remedy to help relieve ear wax build-up is periodic use of olive oil…
Like most medical conditions it’s better to be proactive to protect your hearing over reactive (when it can sometimes be too late to reverse).
Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can help to keep ear wax soft and steady in production…
Use of earplugs or noise protective headphones is highly recommended in scenarios that involve being exposed to loud noises. This may include construction work, live concerts or sporting events…
It is also recommended to stop using nicotine products such as cigarettes and e-Cigarettes, both of which can negatively impact hearing…
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