Drummond Hearing

Microsuction ear wax removal

Professional ear wax removal in Kensington & West London

Blocked ears can make conversation, work and everyday life surprisingly difficult. Drummond Hearing provides careful microsuction ear wax removal in private clinical settings, with video otoscopy before and after so you can see what is happening.

Appointments are usually around 30 minutes with audiologist Scott Drummond. If wax is not the cause of your symptoms, we will tell you and recommend the right next step.

Book microsuction Call 020 7139 5186

Usually around 30 minutes · Video otoscopy before and after · No GP referral needed

A dry, direct approach

See what is happening inside the ear

Microsuction removes wax with a fine suction probe while the ear canal is viewed directly. It is a controlled, dry procedure: no water is pushed into the ear and no instrument is used without the clinician being able to see where it is.

At Drummond Hearing, video otoscopy is used before treatment to check whether wax is actually the cause of the blockage and after treatment to confirm the canal is clear. You can see the images on screen and ask questions as we go.

The aim is not to remove wax at any cost. If the examination suggests infection, a perforation, significant inflammation or another issue that should be assessed medically, we will explain that and recommend the safest next step.

  • Microsuction without water
  • Video otoscopy before and after
  • Treatment only when it is clinically appropriate
  • One-to-one appointment with Scott Drummond

The appointment

What happens when you arrive

  1. 1

    We talk through the blocked feeling, pain, hearing change, previous ear problems and any relevant medical history.

  2. 2

    Both ears are examined with video otoscopy. We show you what we can see and decide whether removal is appropriate.

  3. 3

    Wax is loosened and removed carefully with microsuction, with pauses whenever you need them. Both ears can normally be treated in the same visit.

  4. 4

    The canals and eardrums are checked again. We explain what was found, what to expect over the next day or two and whether a hearing test would be useful.

A sensible clinical decision

When ear wax needs removing — and when it does not

Ear wax is normal and protective. It only needs removing when it is causing symptoms, blocking an examination or interfering with a hearing aid. Trying to create a completely wax-free ear can irritate the canal and encourage more problems.

Common reasons to be assessed

  • • A blocked, muffled or underwater feeling
  • • A new reduction in hearing in one or both ears
  • • Ear discomfort, itchiness or a feeling of pressure
  • • A hearing aid whistling, cutting out or not fitting properly
  • • Wax preventing a clinician from seeing the eardrum

When another assessment comes first

Severe pain, discharge, bleeding, marked dizziness, a sudden hearing loss or a history of ear surgery needs careful assessment. Wax can sometimes be blamed for symptoms that have another cause. If your hearing is still reduced after the canal is clear, a full hearing assessment can separate ear-canal blockage from middle-ear or inner-ear hearing loss.

See what happens at a hearing test

Where to find us

Microsuction in Kensington and West London

Choose whichever clinic is easiest for you. Both are private clinical settings with the same one-to-one care.

Bupa Cromwell Hospital, Kensington

164–178 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0TU

Convenient for Kensington, Chelsea, South Kensington, Earl’s Court and Knightsbridge.

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Visit Health, West London

1 Blythe Road, London W14 0HG

Convenient for Brook Green, Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd’s Bush and Holland Park.

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Two convenient private clinics

Choose the location that suits you best. Our Kensington clinic is at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, close to Earl’s Court and South Kensington. The West London clinic is at Visit Health on Blythe Road, convenient for Hammersmith, Fulham and Holland Park.

Also see: ear wax removal in Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith and microsuction in London.

We welcome patients from Kensington, Chelsea, South Kensington, Earl’s Court, Hammersmith, Fulham, Holland Park, and surrounding areas.

Kensington

Bupa Cromwell Hospital is close to Earl’s Court, South Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge.

West London

Visit Health on Blythe Road is convenient from Hammersmith, Fulham, Brook Green and Shepherd’s Bush.

By appointment

Wednesday appointments are available at Cromwell Road and Friday mornings at Blythe Road.

No referral

Book directly online, call the clinic or send a WhatsApp message.

Common questions about microsuction

What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction is a dry method of removing wax using a small suction probe under direct vision. There is no water or syringing, and the clinician can see the canal and eardrum throughout the appointment.
Is microsuction painful?
Most people find it comfortable. You may hear a soft rushing or scratching sound, and a sensitive ear can feel briefly ticklish. If anything feels uncomfortable, the procedure stops immediately and the approach is adjusted.
How long does ear wax removal take?
Allow around 30 minutes. This includes a conversation about your ears, video otoscopy before treatment, the removal itself and a second check afterwards.
Can you remove wax from both ears?
Yes. Both ears can usually be assessed and treated during the same appointment. If one ear is clear, it will not be treated unnecessarily.
Do I need to soften my ear wax first?
Softening drops are not always needed for microsuction, but they can help when wax is hard or tightly attached. We will advise you what to do when you book and after examining the ear.
Is microsuction safer than ear syringing?
Microsuction does not use pressurised water, so it avoids the risks associated with water entering the ear. The right method still depends on the ear examination, and removal is not attempted when it would be unsafe.
What if my ear still feels blocked afterwards?
A short-lived fullness or sensitivity can happen while the canal settles, but hearing should normally feel clearer straight away or within a day or two. If it does not, the ear should be rechecked for remaining wax or another cause such as middle-ear congestion.
Can wax removal improve my hearing?
If wax is blocking the canal, removing it can make hearing clearer immediately. If hearing remains reduced, a hearing assessment can show whether there is an underlying hearing loss or middle-ear problem.
When should ear wax not be removed?
Removal may be deferred if there is active infection, significant pain, discharge, a suspected perforation or another finding that needs medical assessment first. We will explain the safest next step rather than proceed when it is not appropriate.
What should I do after microsuction?
Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the canal. Keep the ear dry if advised, and contact the clinic if you develop increasing pain, discharge, bleeding, marked dizziness or a sudden deterioration in hearing.

Book your ear wax assessment

A careful ear examination and microsuction appointment with video otoscopy before and after. £120 for ear wax removal, with no referral required.

  • Usually 30 minutes
  • Wednesdays & Friday mornings
  • Kensington & West London
  • No GP referral needed
Book wax removal020 7139 5186

Not sure whether you need wax removal or a hearing test? Contact the clinic or call 020 7139 5186.

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