Earwax buildup is extremely common. While a little wax is good for your ears, too much can leave you feeling blocked up, unable to hear clearly, frustrated, and even depressed.
Many people try to fix blocked ears themselves, but at-home “remedies” often push the wax further in, making things worse. That’s where Superdrug’s pharmacy earwax removal service comes in. Our experts know how to remove earwax safely, quickly, and painlessly, helping unblock your ears and get your hearing back on track.
What is Earwax?
Earwax is made from dead cells, sebum, and a wax-like substance called cerumen, and it’s actually a good thing. Your ears produce it naturally to trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, keeping your ear canals clean and protected.
Our ears are self-cleaning; normally, wax works its way out on its own. But sometimes, it sticks around longer than it should, leading to blocked ears, discomfort, and even hearing loss.
Why Does Earwax Build Up?
Earwax build up happens for many reasons. Some people are more prone to buildup than others, while others have narrower ear canals, making it harder for the earwax to exit on its own.
Wearing hearing aids or earplugs regularly can also push wax deeper into the ear, making it harder to clear naturally. Using cotton buds can do the same; despite the popular belief that they help, they actually worsen the problem, so don’t attempt to clear your ears at home.
If you can feel your ear clogged with wax, professional earwax removal might be the best option.
How to Remove Earwax Safely with Superdrug
As per NICE guidelines, Superdrug’s specialists use two pain-free techniques for ear wax removal: irrigation (also known as ear syringing) and microsuction.
Microsuction is our most popular option. Unlike irrigation, during which the ear is flushed with water, microsuction uses a small, gentle vacuum device to remove wax without liquid. This means less mess, less risk of infection, and more precision.
If you’ve ever tried removing earwax at home, you’ll know that methods like ear candles and over-the-counter drops can be hit or miss. Some can even be dangerous, pushing wax further in, irritating the ear canal, damaging the ear drug, or, in the case of ear candles, risking burns.
Microsuction, on the other hand, is a professional treatment performed by trained specialists, giving you safe and immediate relief from blocked ears.
What Happens at an Earwax Removal Appointment?
If it’s your first time having pharmacy earwax removal, you might be wondering what happens during your visit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Before Your Appointment
To ensure the procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible, you’ll need to soften the wax for five days before your appointment. This means applying earwax softening drops two to four times a day, helping to break down the wax for easier removal.
If you wear hearing aids, a quick heads-up: olive oil can affect how your device works if it gets inside. To avoid this, try applying the drops before bed and leave your hearing aid out overnight.
During Your Appointment
Your earwax removal appointment will take around 30 minutes and will be done by a qualified nurse.
First, we’ll chat about your ear health, then look inside your ears with an otoscope (a magnifier with a light). Don’t worry – it’s completely painless, and we’ll talk you through everything as we go. Next, our nurse will determine whether irrigation or microsuction is the best option for you, go over the blocked ear treatment process, and show you the equipment we’ll be using.
Once the procedure begins, you might feel mild discomfort, but it’s typically quick and painless. In most cases, the wax is removed within a few minutes. If, for any reason, the earwax cannot be fully cleared, your nurse will advise you on the next steps.
Aftercare Tips
Once the procedure is complete, you can get straight back to your day – no downtime, no fuss. If you wear hearing aids, just give your ears a break for at least three hours before popping them back in. We also advise keeping your ears dry for a while following your appointment.
Most of our patients feel instant relief after earwax removal. However, if you do experience pain, dizziness, muffled hearing, or any unusual discharge after the procedure, check in with a medical professional to be safe.
If wax build-up is a regular issue for you, you might also want to start using a softening oil once or twice a week to help keep things clear.
How Much Does it Cost, and Who Can Get it?
Superdrug’s earwax removal service costs £30 for one blocked ear or £55 for both. The service is available to adults aged 18 and over at select Superdrug Health Clinics.
However, if you have a perforated eardrum, an ear infection, or certain medical conditions affecting the ear, this service may be unsuitable for you. It’s always best to check with a healthcare professional if unsure.
If you’ve been struggling with blocked ears, don’t wait for the problem to fix itself or try at-home solutions that could make the situation worse. Superdrug’s expert team knows how to remove ear wax safely and effectively, so we can have you hearing again in no time.
Booking an appointment is simple – visit Superdrug Earwax Removal Service to find your nearest clinic and schedule your visit.
FAQs
Does earwax removal hurt?
No, professional earwax removal is usually painless. You might feel a slight sensation in your blocked ear, but it’s over in minutes.
How long does earwax removal take?
Appointments are quick and easy, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish. No downtime is needed afterwards.
What is the best way to remove earwax?
Ear softeners, irrigation, and microsuction all effectively remove earwax. These techniques gently remove the wax without pushing it deeper or risking damage.
Can I get Superdrug’s earwax removal near me?
Only select Superdrug Health Clinics offer earwax removal. To see if there is a clinic near you, head to our earwax removal page.
Ready to Hear Clearly Again?
Visit Superdrug Earwax Removal Service to find your nearest clinic and schedule your visit.
Author Bio:
This article is written by Hannah Thornley. Hannah turns complex health and medical topics into content that’s easy to understand – and hard to forget. With a degree in human physiology and five years of copywriting experience, she brings science to life with words that inform, engage, and inspire action.
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