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.
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.
At Ear View, we provide microsuction ear wax removal for an affordable standard price of £49.50 for treatment in both ears, and offer appointments for clinics in a range of locations around Suffolk. Home visits are also available for £55.00. Contact us here to find out more.
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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