Every question, answered straight

Book online — the diary is live, so you can pick your own slot and it's confirmed instantly — or call 01270 215837 if you'd rather we check the diary with you. The clinic runs from Crewe Pharmacy on Nantwich Road, open Monday to Friday 9am–6pm and Saturday 9am–5pm, so there's usually an appointment within days rather than weeks. Starting olive oil drops when you book means your ears are ready by the time you arrive.

£50 for one ear, £70 for both — and that's the entire bill. Examination of both ears, the microsuction itself and aftercare advice are all included, with no consultation fee or hidden extras. You pay by card or cash at the pharmacy counter on the day. Full details are on our prices page.

No. This is a walk-in-friendly private service — you book directly with us and nobody needs to refer you. That matters locally, because NHS wax removal provision around Crewe is very limited and many GP practices no longer offer it. If our examination suggests something a GP genuinely should look at, we'll tell you plainly and point you in the right direction.

We routinely see young people aged 12 and over. Younger children are assessed case by case — a child who can sit calmly and still for a few minutes may well be fine, but it depends on the individual child and what we find. Please call 01270 215837 before booking for anyone under 12 so we can talk it through first.

It happens — blocked-feeling ears aren't always waxy ears. Both ears are examined at every appointment, and if there's no removable wax the clinician explains exactly what they can see, discusses it with you before anything proceeds, and advises on next steps. That might mean softening drops and a return visit, or a suggestion to see your GP about a different cause.

Occasionally wax is so hard or deeply impacted that removing it in one sitting would be uncomfortable or unsafe, and we won't force it. The clinician will explain what they can see, advise a few more days of olive oil drops, and arrange for you to return once the wax has softened. We'll always tell you honestly where things stand and agree the plan with you.

Ears make wax continuously — it's how they clean themselves — so it always returns eventually. For most people a thorough clear-out lasts a year or more before build-up is noticeable again. It comes back faster if you wear hearing aids or earbuds for long stretches, have narrow or hairy canals, or have naturally dry skin, which becomes more common with age.

A short course of olive oil drops every month or so keeps wax soft and moving out naturally — the single best habit, especially for hearing aid users. Beyond that: keep cotton buds out of the canal, give earbuds regular breaks, and book your next appointment when hearing starts to dull rather than waiting for a complete blockage. Prevention advice is included in every appointment.

It can. A plug of wax pressing on the eardrum sometimes triggers ringing, buzzing or a feeling of fullness, and wax touching the canal wall can occasionally upset balance slightly. When wax is the culprit, these symptoms often ease once it's removed. If tinnitus or dizziness continues after your ears are clear, that points to another cause and we'll advise you to see your GP.

Go to your GP — or urgent care — first if the ear is painful, hot or discharging, if hearing loss was sudden and total, if you have new severe dizziness, or if there's been a head injury or a suspected object in a child's ear. Those need medical assessment, not wax removal. Unsure which you need? Call 01270 215837, describe your symptoms, and we'll tell you honestly.