Ear wax removal in Hampstead, NW3
Gentle endoscopic microsuction at our pharmacy opposite Hampstead Heath Rail Station. We examine both ears first, and you only pay for removal if there is wax to remove.
Call to book020 7435 7075 Mon to Fri 9:00 to 18:30, Sat 9:00 to 17:30. Appointment only, no online booking or walk-ins.Our pricing
one or both ears, includes the examination £80
if no wax is removed £20
We examine first and tell you the cost before anything is done. Full pricing.
Hampstead Heath Pharmacy, 35 South End Road, London NW3 2PY, opposite Hampstead Heath Rail Station. Get directions.
Use ear drops for the 5 days before your appointment
Softened wax comes away more easily and more comfortably, and gives the best chance of clearing your ears in one visit. Do not use drops if you have, or may have, a perforated eardrum.
What to use
Olive oil drops or spray suit most people. Sodium bicarbonate 5% drops are an alternative, but not if your ears are itchy or sore. Both are available at the pharmacy.
How to use them
Lie on your side, ear facing up. Put in 2 to 3 drops, or spray as directed on the pack, and stay there for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat 2 to 4 times a day for 5 days.
What to expect
Your ear may feel more blocked as the wax softens; this settles once it is removed. Hearing aid wearers: use the drops at night and leave the aids out until the oil has drained.
If the wax is too hard to remove
We check first. If the wax looks too hard to remove safely that day, you pay the £20 ear check only, we advise 5 days of drops and book your removal, which is £80 when you return. If you would rather we try straight away and the wax proves too hard, your second visit is complimentary.
NICE guideline NG98 and the British Society of Audiology advise a wax softener for up to 5 days before removal by irrigation. We ask every patient to do the same, because suction can only remove wax that is soft enough to come away safely.
What are the signs of earwax build-up?
These symptoms often mean earwax, but they have other causes too, which is why every appointment starts with an examination of both ears.
Sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or bleeding need a doctor, not wax removal. See suitability.
Why have your earwax removed at Hampstead Heath Pharmacy?
We check before we treat
Both ears are examined with an HD endoscope and we explain what we see, and the cost, before anything is done. If there is nothing to remove, we say so.
Trained, supervised, insured
Practitioners certified through the Clear Clinics aural care programme, under pharmacist supervision in GPhC-registered premises, insured through the NPA (professional indemnity and public liability).
The methods NICE recommends
Microsuction under direct vision first; gentle lukewarm-water irrigation with an electronic irrigator only if a little remains; never manual syringing. Sterilised endoscope, single-use tips, sterile probes.
See inside your ear
HD endoscopy shows your ear canal before and after. If anything unusual is seen, we escalate to our partner audiologist at Clear Clinics and advise on your GP or NHS 111.
What happens at an earwax removal appointment?
Four steps, one of them at home. Most appointments take around 15 to 30 minutes.
Prepare at home
Olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops for the 5 days before your visit, as above.
Consultation and examination
We discuss your symptoms, examine both ears with an HD endoscope and agree the plan and cost. Consent is recorded digitally.
Gentle removal
Microsuction under direct vision, with gentle lukewarm-water irrigation if a little remains. We stop if anything is uncomfortable.
Aftercare
You see the after image and get aftercare advice. If you are prone to build-up, we can book a check in about six months.
How much does earwax removal cost in Hampstead?
Earwax removal is £80 for one or both ears, including the examination. If no wax is removed, you pay £20 for the ear check only.
Our prices
| Service | What is included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Earwax removalone or both ears | Consultation, examination of both ears, microsuction (irrigation if needed), before and after images, aftercare advice | £80 |
| Ear check onlyif no wax is removed | Consultation, examination of both ears, advice on what to do next | £20 |
- £80 includes the consultation, examination of both ears, microsuction (irrigation if needed), before and after images and aftercare advice.
- £20 ear check includes the consultation, examination of both ears and advice on what to do next.
No surprises
- We examine first and tell you the cost before anything is done.
- No wax, or wax too hard to remove safely that day: £20 ear check only. If we send you away with drops, removal is £80 when you return.
- If you would rather we try straight away and the wax proves too hard, your second visit is complimentary.
- Same price for one or both ears.
A private service, not available on the NHS at this pharmacy.
Is microsuction suitable for me?
Microsuction suits most adults with a build-up of earwax. Our service is for adults aged 18 and over; under-18s should see their GP. Please tell us when you book if any of the following apply, as we may need to assess you first:
- You are under 18 years of age.
- There is a foreign object in the ear.
- You have, or think you may have had, a perforated eardrum in the past 12 months.
- You have had any ENT surgery in the last 6 months.
- You have a grommet or T-tube in your ear.
- You have an ear infection now, or have had one in the last 6 weeks.
- You have had a mucus discharge from the ear in the last 12 months.
- You have active eczema or psoriasis that is currently causing pain, swelling, irritation or discharge.
- You have an abrasion or inflammation of the ear canal now, or in the last 90 days.
- You have abnormal bony or skin growths in the ear, including polyps.
- You have significant ear pain now, or in the last 90 days, that is not related to wax build-up.
- You are unable to stay still and cooperate during treatment, for example due to confusion or agitation.
- You have a cleft palate, even if it has been repaired.
- You have troublesome vertigo, now or as a recurring problem.
- You have troublesome tinnitus that is affected by noise exposure.
- You have hearing in only one ear and it is the ear to be treated, as there is a small risk that treatment could affect the hearing in that ear.
- You have had complications from earwax removal before, such as pain, a perforation, severe dizziness or new tinnitus.
Not sure? Mention it when you call on 020 7435 7075. If you take blood-thinning medicines, please tell us too.
Some symptoms need a doctor, not wax removal
Contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, severe ear pain, discharge or bleeding from the ear, or weakness on one side of your face.
What does the ear canal look like before and after?
You see your own ear canal on screen before and after treatment.
Example endoscopy images, for illustration. Results vary with the amount and hardness of the wax.
Common questions about earwax removal
How much does earwax removal cost in Hampstead?
Earwax removal at Hampstead Heath Pharmacy is £80 for one or both ears, including the consultation, examination of both ears, before and after images and aftercare advice. If no wax is removed, whether because your ears are clear or because the wax is too hard to remove safely that day, you pay the £20 ear check only.
Do I need to use ear drops before my appointment?
Yes. Use olive oil or sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops for the 5 days before your appointment, 2 to 4 times a day as the pack directs. Olive oil suits most people; avoid sodium bicarbonate if your ears are itchy or sore. Softened wax is easier and more comfortable to remove. Skip the drops only if you have, or may have, a perforated eardrum.
What happens if the wax is too hard to remove?
Very hard wax sometimes cannot be removed safely in one go. If we can see that at the examination, you pay the £20 ear check only, use drops for 5 days and come back for removal at £80. If you ask us to try straight away and the wax proves too hard, your second visit is complimentary.
Does microsuction hurt, and how long does it take?
Most people find microsuction comfortable. The suction is noisy for a short time and you may feel a tickle or brief pressure; tell us if anything is uncomfortable and we will pause. Most appointments take around 15 to 30 minutes including the examination and aftercare advice.
Do you use water irrigation or syringing?
We use microsuction under direct vision first. If a little wax remains, we may use gentle lukewarm-water irrigation with an electronic irrigator, which keeps the pressure controlled, and only where it is suitable for you. We never use manual syringing, which NICE guideline NG98 advises against for adults.
Who carries out the procedure?
Aural care practitioners certified through the Clear Clinics programme, under the supervision of our pharmacists in GPhC-registered premises, insured through the NPA. If anything unusual is seen, the case is escalated to our partner audiologist at Clear Clinics. The service is overseen by Mahyar Saremi, our Superintendent Pharmacist.
Can I have earwax removed on the NHS?
Sometimes. Not all GP surgeries remove earwax, and those that do may ask you to try ear drops first. If yours does not offer it, your GP may be able to refer you to another local NHS service, but waits vary. Our service is private, by appointment, with no referral needed.
What should I do after my appointment?
Most people carry on as normal. You may feel lightheaded for an hour or two, so take care when standing. Avoid cotton buds, which push wax further in. If you are prone to build-up, regular olive oil drops and a check about every six months can help. If you develop pain, discharge, dizziness or a change in hearing afterwards, contact your GP and let us know.
Why do I keep getting earwax build-up?
Some people naturally make more wax. Build-up is more common in older adults and in people who wear hearing aids or earbud-style headphones, which stop wax clearing naturally, and with narrow or hairy ear canals or skin conditions around the ear. Left in place, a blockage can also contribute to ear infections. If it keeps coming back, regular olive oil drops and a check about every six months help.
Can I remove earwax myself at home?
Earwax is normal, protects the ear and usually clears on its own; the outer ear only needs a wipe. Ear drops are the only home treatment the NHS recommends, and they can take about two weeks to work. Do not use cotton buds, hairpins or other objects, which push wax deeper and can damage the ear canal or eardrum. The NHS says there is no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums remove wax.
I wear hearing aids. Is there anything I should know?
Hearing aids can stop wax clearing naturally, so build-up is more common, and wax can make aids whistle. Use your ear drops at night and leave the aids out until the oil has drained, as oil can affect them. Bring your aids with you.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes. Ear checks and earwax removal are by appointment only. Call 020 7435 7075, Mon to Fri 9:00 to 18:30 or Sat 9:00 to 17:30. Online booking is not available for this service and we cannot see walk-ins. Start your ear drops 5 days before the appointment.
Where can I get earwax removal near Hampstead Heath?
Hampstead Heath Pharmacy, 35 South End Road, London NW3 2PY
Directly opposite Hampstead Heath Rail Station (Mildmay line), a few minutes' walk from the Royal Free Hospital. Belsize Park Underground (Northern line) is about ten minutes on foot via South End Green; buses 1, 24, 46 and C11 stop at South End Green. Parking details are on our contact page.
We see patients from Hampstead, South End Green, Belsize Park, Gospel Oak, Dartmouth Park, Highgate, Swiss Cottage, Kentish Town, Camden and Finchley Road, and across NW London.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 9:00 to 18:30 |
| Saturday | 9:00 to 17:30 |
| Sunday and bank holidays | Closed |
Book by phone on 020 7435 7075. Enquiries: info@hhpharmacy.co.uk (no clinical advice by email).
Ready to book your ear check?
Call to book, then start your ear drops 5 days before the appointment. £80 includes the examination; £20 if no wax is removed.
35 South End Road, London NW3 2PY. Mon to Fri 9:00 to 18:30, Sat 9:00 to 17:30.
Reviewed by Mahyar Saremi, Superintendent Pharmacist & Specialist Pharmacist Prescriber, GPhC 2069409. Last reviewed 2 November 2026. Delivered by aural care practitioners trained by Clear Clinics, under pharmacist supervision; read about our clinical team.
- NICE guideline NG98, Hearing loss in adults, section 1.2: removal methods, softeners for up to 5 days before irrigation, no manual syringing, no cotton buds.
- British Society of Audiology, Aural Care (Ear Wax Removal) practice guidance: softening, contraindications and aftercare.
- NHS, Earwax build-up: symptoms, ear drops at home and when to seek help.
General information, not a diagnosis. If you have ear pain, discharge, sudden hearing loss or a known perforation, tell us before treatment so we can advise the safest option for you.