What Happens During Your Appointment
Here is exactly what to expect when you
come in.
Step 1: Health check
You fill in a short questionnaire covering any history of ear infections, surgery or perforated eardrums. This takes a couple of minutes and helps us work out the safest approach for you.
Step 2: Ear examination
The clinician looks into both ears using a handheld otoscope. They will tell you what they can see and whether microsuction is the right option, or if something else would suit you better.
Step 3: Wax removal
Using a medical-grade suction unit and magnification, the clinician carefully removes the wax. The suction tip does
not touch the eardrum. You will hear a quiet buzzing from the unit, but most people say it just feels like a mild tickle.
Step 4: Aftercare advice
Once the wax is out, the clinician checks
both ears again and talks you through how to keep things clear between visits.
Most people notice a difference the moment
the wax comes out. We hear "it feels like someone turned the volume up" a lot.
Why Microsuction Instead of Syringing?
If you have had ear wax removed in the past, it was probably done with water. That method, called ear syringing or irrigation, still works for some people. But NICE guidance now recommends microsuction as the better option when the right equipment and training are
available.
Here is why we use microsuction at Chatham Pharmacy.
It is a dry procedure
No water goes into the ear. That means there is no risk of water getting trapped behind leftover wax and causing an
infection afterwards.
It is safe for sensitive ears
Microsuction can be used if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets, a history of ear surgery or an active infection. Syringing would not be suitable in any of those situations.
The clinician can see throughout
High-powered magnification gives a close-up view of the ear canal during the entire procedure. With syringing, the
clinician is essentially working blind.
Lower risk of side effects
Studies show microsuction carries a lower risk of dizziness, tinnitus and damage to the ear canal compared to irrigation.
How Much Does Ear Wax Removal Cost?
One ear or both ears - £49
Consultation fee (if no wax found) £25
You do not need a GP referral. Book online
or call us on 01634 404142 and we will get you in as soon as we can, usually within the same week.
Who Is Most Likely to Get Ear Wax Build-Up?
Everyone produces ear wax. It is your body's way of trapping dust and bacteria before they reach the eardrum. Most of the time it works its way out on its own without you noticing. But for some people, that natural process does not work as well as it should.
You are more likely to get a build-up if you:
Wear hearing aids. The device sits in the canal and stops wax from migrating out naturally. If you wear hearing aids, a check every six months is a good idea.
Use earbuds or in-ear headphones regularly. Same issue
as hearing aids. The earbuds push wax back in and compact it over time.
Are over 50. Wax gets drier and harder as you get older, so it is less likely to clear on its own.
Have narrow or unusually shaped ear canals. Some people are just built that way. If you have always had trouble with wax, your canal shape might be the reason.
Work in dusty or dirty environments. Construction workers, gardeners and factory workers tend to produce more wax because the ears are working overtime to protect the canal.
Swim regularly. Water getting into the ear can make wax
swell up and form a plug. This is especially common in summer.
If any of that applies to you and you are getting symptoms like muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, ringing or itchiness, it is worth getting checked.
Aftercare
Once the procedure is done:
- Keep your ears dry for 24 hours. If you need to wash your hair, use a shower cap or pop some cotton wool coated in
Vaseline over the ear.
- Avoid swimming for 48 hours.
- Do not put cotton buds, ear candles or
anything else into your ears.
- If you notice pain, discharge or any sudden
change in hearing after the procedure, give us a call or see your GP.
- We recommend coming back for a routine
check every 6 to 12 months if you tend to get a build-up. Staying on top of it is much easier than waiting until things get fully blocked.
Ear Wax Removal Across Chatham, Medway and Surrounding Areas
We are at 139 New Road, Chatham, ME4 4PT, right in the middle of Medway. The pharmacy has step-free access and there is parking nearby.
We see patients from all over the Medway towns and the surrounding area:
Chatham - we are on New Road, a short walk from the town centre and the Pentagon Shopping Centre.
Gillingham - less than 10 minutes by car or a quick bus ride along the A2.
Rochester - just across the river, about 5 minutes by car.
Rainham - a straightforward drive along the A2, usually 10
to 15 minutes.
Strood - easily reached on the A2, around 10 minutes.
Walderslade and Lordswood - roughly 15 minutes south via Walderslade Woods Road.
Hoo and the Hoo Peninsula - around 15 to 20 minutes via
the A228.
Wigmore and Hempstead - a short drive south, about 10
minutes.
A lot of GP surgeries across Medway have stopped offering ear wax removal since NHS commissioning changes. You do not need a referral to see us. Just book online or give us a ring.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Is microsuction better than ear syringing?
NICE guidance recommends microsuction as the preferred method when the right staff and equipment are in place. It is dry so there is no water in the ear, it can be used on patients with perforated eardrums, and the clinician has a clear view the entire time. All of that makes
it safer than traditional syringing.
Can I get ear wax removal on the NHS in Medway?
Many GP surgeries across Medway no longer offer ear wax removal following NHS commissioning changes. Our private service does not require a referral and we usually have appointments available within the same week.
What age do you treat?
We see adults aged 18 and over. Children and teenagers under 18 should speak to their GP or be referred to a community ENT clinic.
Who carries out the procedure?
All ear wax removal at Chatham Pharmacy is done by team members with specialist microsuction training and professional indemnity cover.
Can I have microsuction if I have a perforated eardrum?
In most cases, yes. Microsuction is considered safe for patients with perforations, which is one of the main reasons it is preferred over syringing. The clinician will check your ears before starting and talk through anything specific to your situation.
How often should I have my ears checked?
If you are prone to build-up, every 6 to 12 months is a good rhythm. Keeping on top of it means shorter, easier appointments and no nasty surprises.
Book Your Ear Wax Removal Appointment
If blocked ears are getting in the way, get them sorted. No referral needed.
Appointments usually available this week.
Book online - use the booking button below
Call us - 01634 404142
Visit us - 139 New Road, Chatham, ME4 4PT
