Microsuction is a gentle, precise way to clear blocked ears, and it is the method we use for most ear wax removal. An HCPC-registered audiologist lifts the wax out with a fine suction tube while looking through a 4K HD endoscope, so you can watch every step on screen. Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes, and you don’t need a GP referral.
£50 one ear · £70 both ears · same-day appointments at five West Midlands clinics. Book online, choose a same-day appointment or call 0121 369 0780.
What is microsuction ear wax removal?
Microsuction removes ear wax with gentle suction instead of water. The audiologist looks into your ear canal with an endoscope and removes the wax a piece at a time, so they can see your ear canal and eardrum the whole way through. Because no water goes into the ear, it is often suitable for people who have been told not to have their ears syringed.
Signs you may need ear wax removal
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Earache or discomfort
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Itching in the ear canal
- Hearing aids whistling or cutting out
If you have sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge from the ear or a high temperature, contact your GP or NHS 111 first.
How your appointment works
- First, we ask about your health and any past ear problems.
- Then we look into both ears with a video endoscope and show you what we see.
- Next, we remove the wax, usually by microsuction. If saline irrigation or manual removal is safer for your ear, we explain why first.
- Finally, we check your ears again, show you the result and give aftercare advice. We can also send the video to your phone if you ask.
If wax isn’t causing your symptoms, we explain what we found and write a GP referral if you need one.
Microsuction prices
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Ear wax removal, one ear | £50 |
| Ear wax removal, both ears | £70 |
| Consultation if no wax is found | £20 (not charged when we remove wax) |
| Children aged 5 to 10 (call 0121 369 0780 to book) | £80 |
| Home visit, within 5 miles | £80 |
| Private GP prescription, if needed | £35 |
The price includes a full medical history, video endoscopy before and after treatment, the treatment itself, aftercare advice and a GP referral if needed.
Microsuction, irrigation or syringing?
| Method | How it works | When we use it |
|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic microsuction | Gentle suction under a direct camera view | Most patients. It is widely seen as the gold standard. |
| Saline irrigation (modern ear syringing) | A controlled flow of saline washes the wax out | When it is the safer option, for example very soft wax stuck to the eardrum |
| Manual removal | Small instruments lift the wax out | When an instrument is the gentlest option for your ear |
Who treats you
A trained clinician carries out every treatment, and our audiologists are HCPC registered. Our director, Mohammed Khizar (BSc Audiology, Aston University; HCPC HAD00756), has more than 20 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice. You can also meet the whole team.
Where to have microsuction
| Clinic | Address |
|---|---|
| Birmingham (Kings Heath) | Birmingham Hearing Care, 310 Haunch Lane, Kings Heath, Birmingham B13 0QS |
| Sutton Coldfield (Streetly) | 1 Sutton Oak Corner, Sutton Oak Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield B74 2DH |
| Solihull (Knowle) | The Treatment Rooms, 1617–1619 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LF |
| Coventry | 312A Charter Avenue, Coventry CV4 8DA |
| Stourbridge | Stourbridge Osteopathic and Acupuncture Clinic, 15–17 Lawn Avenue, Stourbridge DY8 3UR |
Can’t travel? We also offer home visit ear wax removal for £80 within 5 miles.
Frequently asked questions
How much does microsuction cost?
£50 for one ear or £70 for both. If we find no wax, there is a £20 consultation fee.
Is microsuction better than ear syringing?
Microsuction is widely seen as the gold standard, because the audiologist can see your ear canal the whole time. We use saline irrigation only when it is the safer option for your ear.
Does microsuction hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. In fact, most patients describe it as noisy rather than uncomfortable. If anything feels sore, tell us and we will stop.
Do I need olive oil drops first?
We advise one to two days of olive oil drops to soften ear wax, but you don’t always need them. In fact, many patients come in for same-day removal without drops, and we still remove the wax effectively. If we feel you need oil first, we book a second appointment free of charge. However, avoid using drops for more than a few days, because too many drops can make wax slip onto the eardrum and seal the ear canal completely.
How long does it take?
Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book online or call 0121 369 0780.
Can children have microsuction?
Yes, we see children aged 5 to 10 for £80. Please call 0121 369 0780 to book.