Ear Wax Removal by Microsuction
Soften the wax before your appointment
Using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops for 3–4 days before your visit softens the wax, making removal quicker and more comfortable. We stock a full range in the pharmacy and online.
Shop ear drops & spraysIs microsuction right for me?
Microsuction suits most adults with wax build-up — but not everyone needs it, and not every blocked ear is wax. Here’s our honest guide.
| Your situation | Details | What we’ll do |
|---|---|---|
| Advised Blocked or muffled hearing | A feeling of fullness, muffled sounds, whistling hearing aids or mild discomfort where wax is the likely cause | Otoscope assessment, then microsuction — usually in the same 30-minute visit |
| Advised Wax confirmed by your GP or nurse | You’ve been told you have impacted wax and drops alone haven’t shifted it | Microsuction, with a follow-up session within 7–10 days included if required |
| Consider Hearing aid or earbud users | Regular users often produce more wax and benefit from a periodic check | A consultation first — we only remove wax that’s actually there |
| Not suitable Under 18, ear discharge or suspected infection | Microsuction is for adults (18+); pain with discharge or infection needs a GP first | We’ll advise you and point you to the right NHS route instead of treating |
If your problem turns out not to be wax build-up, you only pay the £15 consultation fee — see the price table below.
What is microsuction?
Microsuction is the method most ear specialists now use to clear blocked ears. A thin, wand-like probe attached to a gentle suction unit removes the wax under direct vision — no water, no pressure on the ear drum. Most patients find the procedure comfortable, though it can be a little noisy: about as loud as a hand dryer.
It has largely replaced ear syringing because it is quicker, more comfortable and considerably safer. Syringing pushes water into the ear canal and, done badly, can cause infections or even a perforated ear drum. With microsuction the pharmacist can see exactly what they are removing at every moment.
Ear wax itself is normal and protective — it cleans, lubricates and defends the ear canal. But diet, genetics, ageing, earplugs, earbuds and hearing aids can all push production too far. The result is a build-up that causes fullness, dulled hearing, whistling or buzzing sounds, balance issues and sometimes earache. That’s when removal helps.
What happens at your appointment
Every appointment is a dedicated 30-minute slot with a trained member of our clinical team at 124 Frimley Road, Camberley.
| Stage | Details | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Medical questionnaire | A short set of medical questions and consent — we check microsuction is safe for you before anything happens | Any risks are explained first, and you can ask anything |
| 2 · Otoscope check | We look into the ear with a lit magnifier to confirm wax is the problem and that it’s soft enough to remove | If it’s too hard, we’ll advise more olive oil and arrange a return visit |
| 3 · Microsuction | A thin suction probe gently removes the wax under direct vision | Most blockages clear fully in one visit; a follow-up within 7–10 days is included if needed |
Suitable for adults 18+. Hearing usually improves immediately. Occasionally wax sits too deep or too hard against the ear drum to remove safely — if so, we’ll explain the next step rather than push on.
Ear wax removal prices
Removal prices include the initial consultation and a follow-up session within 7–10 days if one is needed.
| Service | Price | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | £15 | If the problem turns out not to be wax build-up, this is all you pay |
| Microsuction — one ear | £45 | Consultation, wax removal in one ear and a follow-up session if required |
| Microsuction — both ears | £69.99 | Consultation, wax removal in both ears and a follow-up session if required |
No hidden extras — removal prices include the consultation and any follow-up within 7–10 days.
How it works
Soften for 3–5 days
1–2 sprays of olive oil in the affected ear(s), twice a day for 3–5 days before you come in — soft wax comes out first time.
Book online in 2 minutes
Same-day and same-week appointments are often available thanks to the size of our team.
Clearer hearing in 30 minutes
Assessment and removal usually happen in the same visit, with a follow-up included if required.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to prepare my ears before the appointment?
Yes — please soften the wax with 1–2 sprays of olive oil into the relevant ear(s), twice a day for 3–5 days before your appointment. Hard wax is the main reason a removal can’t be completed first time.
Does microsuction hurt?
Most people find it comfortable — there’s no water and no pressure on the ear drum, though it is a little noisy (similar to a hand dryer). Things may sound different once the wax is out, and a small amount of temporary ringing is normal and settles quickly.
Will all the wax come out in one visit?
In the majority of cases microsuction removes 100% of the wax. Sometimes 90–95% of a blockage is removed, which is still enough to restore hearing. Rarely, wax sits too deep or too hard against the ear drum to remove safely — we’ll advise the next step, and your price includes a follow-up session within 7–10 days if one is required.
Why microsuction rather than syringing?
Microsuction is considered much safer. Syringing forces water into the ear canal and can cause infections or ear drum perforation if done incorrectly. Microsuction is quicker, uses no water, and the pharmacist sees exactly what they’re doing throughout.
How much does it cost?
£45 for one ear or £69.99 for both ears, including the consultation and a follow-up session if required. If your problem turns out not to be wax build-up, you only pay the £15 consultation fee.
Where are you, and who can book?
We’re at 124 Frimley Road, Camberley GU15 2QN — next to Camberley Health Centre, with easy parking. The service is for adults 18+ and patients visit us from Camberley, Blackwater, Sandhurst, Frimley, Deepcut, Mytchett, Farnborough, Crowthorne and across Surrey Heath.
Rated by 1,200+ patients of our Camberley pharmacy and clinics.
GPhC registered pharmacy 1105418 · Superintendent pharmacist Jirina Thielens (GPhC 2069634).
This guide follows UK national health guidance (NHS) and was last reviewed in August 2026. Recommendations can change — your consultation always reflects the latest advice.
Ready to hear clearly again?
Book your microsuction appointment at VSM Pharmacy Camberley — same-week slots, often same-day.
Book Your Ear Wax Removal