Your questions answered

Ear wax is natural and healthy. It is made in the ear canal from skin cells and oils. It traps dust and dirt and slowly carries it out of the ear.

Sometimes the system gets blocked. Cotton buds are a common cause, as they push wax deeper. When that happens, the wax may need to be removed.

A build-up of wax can feel like wearing earplugs. It can cause:

• muffled or reduced hearing
• a feeling of fullness or pressure
• itching, or a whooshing sound
• dizziness or poor balance
• earache, especially if water gets trapped behind the wax

You cannot be sure until someone looks. Blocked ears can have other causes that need a different treatment, so a proper examination is the best first step. If you have pain or are worried, get your ears checked.

It depends on you. Some people need it once a year, others more often, and many never do. We can talk about what suits your ears at your appointment.

Yes. Microsuction is done in clear view with no water squirted into the ear. It is recommended in NHS guidance for ear wax removal. Read how it works.

Not usually. Unlike syringing, microsuction does not normally need weeks of oil drops first, so you can be seen sooner.

Please call us on 01752 938102 before booking. The same goes if you have a mastoid cavity, an ear infection right now, or have had ear surgery in the last few weeks. We will talk it through and check microsuction is right for you.

Most adults can have it. It may not suit people with severe dizziness, or anyone who finds it hard to keep their head still. If you are unsure, give us a call first.

Our ear wax clinic is for adults only.

No. We remove ear wax, but we do not fit or adjust hearing aids.

One ear is £55 and both ears are £65. You pay a £35 assessment fee when you book, then the rest in clinic: £20 for one ear or £30 for both. See full prices.

Then there is nothing more to pay after your assessment fee.

Bookings are made online through Tamar Health. Book an appointment, or call us on 01752 938102.

With more than 5 days’ notice you get a full refund. Within 5 days we keep 50% of your fee. With under 24 hours’ notice, or if you do not attend, we keep the full fee.

We have moved from central Plymouth to Tor Clinical Rooms, 3 Darklake View, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7TL. Ear appointments run on Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 12pm.

No. We are a private clinic, independent of the NHS, and your GP cannot see our records. If you ask, we can send a summary to your GP if you give us your surgery’s email address.