What is microsuction?

Microsuction is a dry ear wax removal method using a fine suction probe under direct vision. It does not use water or pressurised irrigation.

Where can I have microsuction in London?

Drummond Hearing sees patients at Bupa Cromwell Hospital on Cromwell Road in Kensington and Visit Health at 1 Blythe Road in West London.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Appointments are offered on Wednesdays at the Kensington clinic and Friday mornings at Visit Health, subject to availability. You can book online or contact the clinic directly.

Can microsuction remove hard or impacted wax?

Often, yes. Hard or deeply impacted wax may need softening or more than one careful visit. The ear is examined first so the safest approach can be chosen.

What is included in the appointment?

The appointment includes a discussion of your symptoms, examination with video otoscopy, microsuction where appropriate and a second check of the ear afterwards. The fee is £120 for ear wax removal.

What happens if I still cannot hear after microsuction?

Wax can mask an underlying hearing loss or middle-ear problem. If the canal is clear but hearing remains reduced, a full hearing assessment can identify what is happening.

Private microsuction · London

Microsuction ear wax removal in London

A blocked ear needs a careful look, not just a quick fix. Drummond Hearing provides private microsuction in two West London clinics, with video otoscopy before and after and clear advice about what to do next.

Appointments are carried out by audiologist Scott Drummond, usually in around 30 minutes. No GP referral is required.

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
We talk through the blocked feeling, pain, hearing change, previous ear problems and any relevant medical history.
2
Both ears are examined with video otoscopy. We show you what we can see and decide whether removal is appropriate.
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
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 clinics for West and Central London

Our Bupa Cromwell Hospital clinic serves Kensington, Chelsea, South Kensington and the surrounding central London areas. Visit Health on Blythe Road is convenient for Hammersmith, Fulham, Brook Green, Shepherd’s Bush and Holland Park.

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

We welcome patients from Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham, Holland Park, Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill, and surrounding areas.

Kensington

Bupa Cromwell Hospital, 164–178 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TU.

West London

Visit Health, 1 Blythe Road, W14 0HG.

Appointment times

Wednesdays at Cromwell Road and Friday mornings at Blythe Road.

What to bring

Bring your hearing aids if wax is affecting the fit, sound or feedback.

Common questions about microsuction

What is microsuction?: Microsuction is a dry ear wax removal method using a fine suction probe under direct vision. It does not use water or pressurised irrigation.
Where can I have microsuction in London?: Drummond Hearing sees patients at Bupa Cromwell Hospital on Cromwell Road in Kensington and Visit Health at 1 Blythe Road in West London.
How quickly can I get an appointment?: Appointments are offered on Wednesdays at the Kensington clinic and Friday mornings at Visit Health, subject to availability. You can book online or contact the clinic directly.
Can microsuction remove hard or impacted wax?: Often, yes. Hard or deeply impacted wax may need softening or more than one careful visit. The ear is examined first so the safest approach can be chosen.
What is included in the appointment?: The appointment includes a discussion of your symptoms, examination with video otoscopy, microsuction where appropriate and a second check of the ear afterwards. The fee is £120 for ear wax removal.
What happens if I still cannot hear after microsuction?: Wax can mask an underlying hearing loss or middle-ear problem. If the canal is clear but hearing remains reduced, a full hearing assessment can identify what is happening.

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 removal 020 7139 5186

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