Ear Microsuction
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Are Your Ears Causing You Problems?
Blocked ears, muffled hearing, persistent ringing, or a feeling of fullness in the ear are all signs that ear wax may be building up. While your ears are largely self-cleaning, wax can accumulate to the point where it needs professional removal. Excess earwax affects an estimated 700,000 to 2 million adults in England and Wales and is one of the most common reasons people seek help from a healthcare professional.1
Left untreated, a significant wax build-up can affect your hearing, concentration, and quality of life. Pearl Chemist Group offers a safe, fast, and effective private ear microsuction service using the clinically advanced Tympa system — delivered by Tympa-trained and accredited team members at selected South London branches.
NHS waiting times for ear wax removal can range from several weeks to several months. Our private service means you are seen promptly, without the wait.
What is Ear Wax — and When Does it Become a Problem?
Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal. It plays an important protective role — trapping dust, debris, and bacteria, preventing ear infections, and keeping the ear canal moisturised. In most people, wax moves naturally out of the ear on its own.2
It only becomes a problem when too much builds up, or when it hardens and blocks the ear canal. Common causes include:1
- Cotton buds or swabs — which push wax deeper rather than removing it
- Hearing aids, earphones, or ear plugs — which can disrupt the natural migration of wax
- Narrow or curved ear canals — making natural clearance more difficult
- Naturally producing more wax than average
- Increasing age — wax tends to become drier and harder over time
Symptoms of Ear Wax Build-Up
If you are experiencing any of the following, a wax build-up may be the cause:2
- Hearing loss or muffled sounds
- A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Earache or discomfort
- Tinnitus — ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Dizziness
- Itchiness inside the ear canal
Our Technology: The Tympa System
Pearl Chemist Group uses the Tympa system — a clinically advanced, all-in-one ear and hearing health platform purpose-built for use in primary care settings. All team members delivering this service are trained and accredited by Tympa, whether they are pharmacists or qualified pharmacy technicians. No one delivers this service without full Tympa accreditation.3
The Tympa device brings together three capabilities in a single appointment:
HD Video Otoscopy
Real-time, magnified view of your ear canal and eardrum — shared with you on screen
Microsuction Wax Removal
Image-guided, controlled removal under continuous direct vision throughout
Hearing Check
A baseline hearing assessment carried out during the same appointment
All images, video, and hearing check results are stored securely in the Tympa cloud, creating a digital clinical record that can be shared with specialists if needed. The system meets NHS and GDPR data standards.3
Backed by Audiologist and ENT Specialist Support
A key advantage of the Tympa system is its integrated specialist support network. Every Tympa-accredited team member has access to first-line clinical advice from ENT- trained audiologists, and second-line guidance from ENT surgeon partners for complex or unusual cases — delivered through the Tympa Advice and Guidance service.3
This means that if anything unexpected is identified during your appointment — beyond a routine wax build-up — our team has direct access to specialist clinical input and can refer you onward without delay.
Why Microsuction?
Microsuction is widely regarded as the gold standard in ear wax removal. Here is how it compares to other methods:4
- Performed under continuous direct vision — the clinician can see inside the ear throughout, reducing risk of contact with the eardrum
- Dry procedure — no water enters the ear canal, significantly reducing the risk of secondary infection compared to irrigation
- Fewer contraindications — suitable for more patients than irrigation, including many with a history of ear surgery (subject to individual assessment)
- Immediate results — wax is removed during a single appointment in most cases
- Image-guided with Tympa — HD video throughout the procedure gives both the clinician and patient a clear view of the ear canal in real time
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your appointment lasts approximately 30 minutes and is carried out in a private consultation room by a Tympa-trained and accredited team member.
Pre-Appointment Preparation
We recommend using olive oil or pharmacy ear drops twice daily for 5–7 days before your appointment. This softens the wax and improves the effectiveness of the procedure.
HD Ear Examination
Your Tympa-accredited team member uses the Tympa device to examine your ear canal in high definition. You can see the images on the screen during the appointment.
Wax Removal
Where wax is present and removal is appropriate, it is gently removed using the Tympa microsuction device under continuous direct vision throughout.
Hearing Check
A basic hearing assessment is conducted where appropriate, to identify any concerns that may need further attention.
Results and Next Steps
Your team member explains what was found, shares your images, and advises on next steps. If anything requires specialist review, a referral is made via the Tympa Advice and Guidance service — connecting you to ENT-trained audiologists or ENT surgeon partners as needed.
Important: Risks and Considerations
Ear microsuction is a safe and well-tolerated procedure when carried out by a Tympa-trained and accredited team member — but like any clinical procedure, it carries a small number of risks you should be aware of before your appointment.5
Common side effects — usually mild and short-lived
- Temporary dizziness during or immediately after the procedure
- Noise discomfort — the suction device produces sound which can feel loud inside the ear
- Mild throat irritation or the urge to cough
- Mild sensitivity or minor grazing of the ear canal skin
Rare but possible complications
- Ear infection following the procedure
- Temporary change in hearing or tinnitus immediately after
This service may not be suitable if you:
- Have an active ear infection or perforated eardrum (unless cleared by a specialist)6
- Have had certain types of ear surgery — your Tympa-accredited team member will assess this at your appointment6
- Have active eczema or dermatitis of the ear canal6
Please keep still during the procedure. Movement whilst the suction probe is inside the ear canal increases the risk of minor trauma to the ear canal skin. Your Tympa-accredited team member will guide you throughout.
Where Is This Service Available?
Our ear microsuction service, powered by the Tympa system and delivered by Tympa-trained and accredited team members, is currently available at the following Pearl Chemist Group branches:
- Pearl Chemist Tooting
- Northcote Pharmacy
- Earlsfield Pharmacy
- Pearl Chemist Epsom
- Lords Merton Pharmacy
- Haria Pharmacy
- Pearl Chemist Banstead
Pearl Chemist Group also has branches in Byfleet, Cannon Hill, Cobham, London, Mitcham, Morden, Streatham, Tolworth, Wandsworth, Wimbledon and Kingston upon Thames. However, ear microsuction is currently only delivered by our Tympa-trained and accredited team members at the branches listed above.
Appointments can be booked online, via our app, by phone, or in person at any of the microsuction branches listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
In most cases, microsuction is painless. Some people experience a mild tickling sensation or find the noise of the suction device loud. If you feel any discomfort at any point, your team member will stop immediately.
Who carries out the procedure?
All team members delivering the Tympa ear microsuction service at Pearl Chemist Group are trained and individually accredited by Tympa — whether they are a pharmacist or a qualified pharmacy technician. No one delivers this service without full Tympa accreditation.3
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
Yes. We recommend using olive oil or pharmacy ear drops twice daily for 5–7 days before your appointment. This softens the wax and makes the procedure more comfortable and effective.
How long does it take?
Your appointment will last approximately 30 minutes for both ears, including the HD examination and hearing check.
How often will I need it?
This varies from person to person. Some patients return every three months; others once a year or less. Your Tympa-accredited team member will advise you based on your individual ear health after your appointment.
What if something else is found?
If anything beyond a routine wax build-up is identified — such as signs of infection, a hearing concern, or an unexpected finding — your team member has direct access to the Tympa Advice and Guidance service, connecting them to ENT-trained audiologists and, where needed, ENT surgeon partners. An onward referral can be arranged without delay.3
Is it suitable for children?
Please contact us before booking for a patient under 16. Your Tympa-accredited team member will advise on suitability.
Book Your Appointment
The quickest way to book or ask a question is through the Pearl Chemist Group app — message your local branch directly and get a response from the team.
Download Our App
Available on the App Store and Google Play
Call us: 020 8672 2157
Book online: pearlchemistgroup.co.uk/book-an-appointment-charc#/
Find your nearest branch → pearlchemistgroup.co.uk/pharmacy-locator
Disclaimer: This page is for information purposes only. Ear microsuction is carried out by Tympa-trained and accredited team members following an individual assessment. The service is not suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing severe pain, sudden total hearing loss, discharge from the ear, or significant dizziness, please contact your GP or NHS 111 before booking.
References
All clinical and statistical content on this page is sourced from the following:
- 1. Bousounis et al. Treatment of impacted ear wax: a case for increased community-based microsuction. BJGP Open, 2020. bjgpopen.org/content/4/2/bjgpopen20x101064
- 2. NHS. Earwax build-up — causes and symptoms. nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up
- 3. TympaHealth. Ear and hearing health for primary care and allied health professionals. tympahealth.com
- 4. TympaHealth. Why microsuction is the gold standard in wax removal. tympahealth.com / BJGP Open, 2020
- 5. UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. Aural (Ear) Microsuction — patient information. uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/aural-ear-microsuction
- 6. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Microsuction — overview and contraindications. guysandstthomas.nhs.uk
Are Your Days Ruined by Frequent Blocked Ears, Ear Aches, or Itchiness?
Or is your hearing becoming worse, and you aren’t sure why? If so, you may have an excess build up of ear wax.
Blocked ears can be very disruptive to your daily life and it can’t always be dealt with safely at home. Pearl Chemist Group can help you improve your ear health with Ear Wax Removal in London.
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax isn’t something we usually give much thought to until it starts to cause us problems. It’s a versatile substance that is naturally formed by the glands in the outer ear canal. Ear wax is very important for your ear's health and serves as a protective layer against dirt, debris, and bacteria.
Without ear wax and the fine hairs in your ears, dust and other foreign bodies could end up getting into your ear canals and damaging your eardrum. Ear wax also helps prevent ear infections and moisturises the inside of your ears.
Why Do I Have Excess Ear Wax?
Your ears are impressive in many ways, including the fact that they are self-cleaning. Because of this, you usually won’t need to worry about removing earwax. It only becomes a problem if your ears are producing too much of it.
A buildup of ear wax can happen because of:
- Narrow Ear Canals
- Ear Infections
- Swimmer’s Ear
- Using Hearing Aids
The most common cause of build up, however, is the use of cotton buds or swabs to clean inside the ear. While using them may seem like they are helping, they usually just end up pushing wax back into the ear canal.
Do I Need Ear Wax Removal?
Everyone’s ears are different. Some people may never need to have their ears cleaned whilst others may need it regularly. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a build up, then ear wax removal through suctioning may help improve your quality of life.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Dizziness
- Hearing Loss
- Blocked Ears or Ears that Feel ‘Full’
- Ear Pain
- Ear Itchiness
- Tinnitus
- Muffled Sounds
What is Ear Microsuction?
You don’t have to suffer in silence! Book in today with one of our expertly trained pharmacists to perform a safe, fast, and effective procedure known as Earwax Microsuctioning. It’s a simple and straightforward procedure where a small suction device is guided into the ear to gently remove any excess earwax.
Your appointment with one of our highly skilled clinicians will last approximately 30 minutes. Following the removal of some of the wax, tests will be conducted in order to determine any potential hearing issues. In rare cases where any issues are identified, you will be referred for further treatment.
Is it Safe?
Ear Microsuction is the safest and most trusted way to remove earwax and you don’t have to worry about any damage to your ear drum or the sensitive parts of your ear.
There is a microscopic camera attached to the end of the device that gives the practitioner a clear view of the ear throughout the entire procedure. The camera also ensures that all wax is removed and if there are any problems, they will be spotted right away.
Ear Microsuction Services in London
You don’t have to keep suffering with blocked, painful ears. Waiting times on the NHS for ear wax removal can be anywhere from several weeks to several months. Instead, arrange an affordable private ear wax microsuction appointment today with Pearl Chemist at one of our South London locations.
Ear Wax Removal is available from the following branches:
- Tooting
- Earlsfield
- Lords Merton
- Pearl Banstead
- Northcote
- Epsom
- Haria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ear Microsuction?
Ear microsuction is a simple process which entails the use of a gentle vacuum machine to leave the ear dry and free of wax. The end results for the patient are better hearing and cleaner ears.
Why might I need Ear Microsuction?
Most of the time, our ears keep themselves clean and free of dust and debris, but there are occasions when it doesn’t happen, your age or a possible infection might cause a build up. If you have a wax build-up, an infection or some unwanted debris in the ear, our pharmacists may decide the best way to make things right is via ear microsuction.
Does Ear Microsuction hurt?
In general the procedure isn’t painful at all, although it can be somewhat noisy. The skin inside the ear canal is sensitive so it’s important to stay still when asked to do so.
What are the benefits of Ear Microsuction?
Because the process is carried out with the help of a powerful microscope, more wax and other debris can be reached and removed. The procedure tends to be quicker and more comfortable than other forms of wax removal. The main benefit after is usually a significant improvement in hearing.
How often do I need Ear Microsuction?
Many people choose to have an ear microsuction procedure on a regular basis to keep their ears cleaned, although the regularity always depends on the individual needs of the patient. Some choose to undergo microsuction every three months while others may do so once a year.
Further Reading
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Authored By
Luis Gama
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
Reviewed By
Mayank Patel
MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber
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