Ear Wax Removal in Manchester

Manchester's pharmacist-led microsuction clinic

Trafford Clinic operates from Empire Pharmacy at 122 Seymour Grove in Old Trafford — GPhC-registered premises 1123966, led by Haroon Mohammad Iqbal MPharm, IP (GPhC reg. 2051093). We perform ENT-grade microsuction using a binocular operating microscope and a Tympahealth suction unit — the same equipment standard ENT outpatient departments use — not handheld syringes or domestic-grade kits. Every appointment starts with a full otoscopic exam to confirm wax (and rule out infection, perforation or foreign body), and we work under direct vision so we know precisely when each canal is clear. Most patients are clear in 20 minutes, both ears, with hearing restored on the spot.

Why microsuction rather than syringing

NHS England decommissioned routine ear-wax removal from primary care in 2019, and Greater Manchester audiology waits for wax now typically run 12–24 months. The technique itself also shifted: ear irrigation ("syringing") was downgraded by the British Society of Audiology because it pushes wax against the tympanic membrane, risks pushing infected debris deeper, can perforate a thinned drum, and carries a small risk of otitis externa from contaminated water. Microsuction is dry, low-pressure, controlled and reversible — if it isn't working we stop. NICE CKS Earwax and ENT UK both endorse microsuction as the preferred clinic-based method.

The procedure, step by step

We begin with a thorough history — hearing changes, fullness, tinnitus, vertigo, otalgia, discharge, prior surgery, perforation, hearing-aid use. We then examine both canals and the tympanic membranes with a video-otoscope so you can see what we see. If wax is confirmed and there are no contraindications, microsuction proceeds: speculum in, microscope focused, fine suction cannula at low pressure (typically 80–120 mmHg), wax lifted out under direct vision in a few seconds to a few minutes per ear. The loudest part is the suction itself — we warn before each pass. We re-examine to confirm the canal is clear and the drum is intact, and we photograph the cleared canal for your record.

When microsuction isn't appropriate

Absolute and relative contraindications include active middle-ear infection (otitis media with effusion or acute otitis), suspected or confirmed tympanic perforation without ENT input, recent ear surgery (within 6 weeks), a single hearing ear where you've had previous complications, and unstable cardiovascular conditions where the noise might trigger a vasovagal episode. We refer to ENT promptly if we find anything outside our scope.

Olive-oil drops and aftercare

For impacted wax, 3–5 nights of olive oil (or sodium bicarbonate 5% drops) before the appointment significantly improves first-pass success. Use 2–3 drops, lie on the unaffected side for 5–10 minutes, and don't use cotton buds — they pack wax deeper. After microsuction the only aftercare is to keep the canals dry for 24 hours; no swimming or hair-washing without a cap. If you wear hearing aids, bring them — we'll check fit and tubing the same visit.

Hearing-aid users, swimmers and earwax-prone patients

Three groups produce more wax or trap it: hearing-aid users (the mould seals the canal and stops natural migration), regular swimmers (water swells residual wax), and older adults (drier, harder cerumen). For these patients we usually recommend a 6-monthly or quarterly schedule. Many of our regular patients come from across Sale, Altrincham and Chorlton on a recurring basis.

Who we see across Manchester

We see patients from across Manchester and Trafford — see our area pages for Manchester city centre, Old Trafford, Salford, Salford Quays, Eccles, Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Chorlton, Rusholme and Whalley Range. Same clinical protocol, same equipment, same clinician, same building. Demand from Manchester's older population and the city's substantial hearing-aid-wearing community keeps our diaries busy — we usually have same-day or next-day capacity.

Other services at Trafford Clinic

If the consultation suggests something more than wax — unexplained sudden hearing loss, persistent tinnitus, asymmetric loss — we refer to ENT and can support with a private blood test panel (FBC, ferritin, B12, thyroid) if relevant. Travelling soon and want both ears cleared before a long flight? See our Manchester travel clinic for vaccines and altitude/decongestant advice. We also run weight loss and B12 injection services from the same building. Brand context lives at our ear health page.

How to book

Most days we have same-day or next-day appointments — book online at traffordclinic.co.uk/ear-health or call 0161 258 6149. The clinic is at 122 Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, M16 0FF: two minutes from Trafford Bar Metrolink, opposite Emirates Old Trafford, with free patient parking on-site. Most appointments take 20 minutes from arrival to walking out clear. See our pricing page for the current per-appointment fee — it covers both ears and the post-procedure check.