If you’re struggling with blocked ears and considering professional ear wax removal, one of your first questions is likely: “How much will this cost me?” With NHS services increasingly unavailable across much of the UK, understanding private ear wax removal costs has become essential for millions of people.
This comprehensive guide breaks down what you can expect to pay for ear wax removal across different regions of the UK in 2025, what factors affect pricing, and how to find the best value for your money without compromising on safety or quality.
The National Picture: Average UK Prices
Across the UK, private ear wax removal typically costs between £40 and £100, though prices can vary significantly based on your location, the clinic you choose, and the removal method used.
Here’s a quick overview of typical costs by treatment method:
Microsuction: £50-£100 for both ears (most common range: £60-£75)
Irrigation (Ear Syringing): £40-£80 for both ears
Manual Removal: £50-£90 for both ears
Combined Methods: £60-£100 for both ears
Some clinics charge per ear rather than a fixed fee for both ears, so it’s important to check exactly what’s included in the quoted price. Prices can range from around £40 for one ear to £105 for both ears, depending on the provider.
Why Are People Paying for Ear Wax Removal?
You might be wondering why ear wax removal has become predominantly a private service in the UK. The situation has changed dramatically in recent years, creating what experts call a “postcode lottery” of access.
The NHS Service Withdrawal
In 2024, research revealed that less than half of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England were providing wax removal services in line with public health guidelines. The situation has worsened since then, with simple ear wax removal no longer available at standard GP practices from July 31, 2025.
Currently, 8.1 million people in England have zero support available from the NHS if they need their ear wax removed. Areas completely without NHS services include Birmingham and Solihull, Dorset, North West London, South West London, Suffolk and North East Essex, Mid and South Essex, and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
This policy shift, which reclassified ear wax removal as an “enhanced service” rather than a core NHS service in September 2020, means that for most people, private treatment is now the only realistic option for timely ear care.
Regional Price Breakdown
Let’s look at what you can expect to pay across different regions of the UK. Keep in mind that prices within each region can vary based on the specific clinic, the practitioner’s qualifications, and the location within that region.
London
Average Cost: £60-£100 for both ears
Notable Range: £35-£100+
London typically has the highest prices in the UK, reflecting higher operating costs in the capital. Prices for London clinics start from £75 for both ears, depending on your specific location. However, you can find competitive pricing if you shop around, with some clinics offering services from £35 per ear in certain areas.
Major London clinics tend to charge £70-£85 for both ears with microsuction being the standard method. Premium clinics in central London or those operated by ENT specialists may charge £100 or more.
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South East England
Average Cost: £50-£85 for both ears
The South East, including areas like Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire, generally sees prices slightly lower than London but still above the national average. Most established clinics in towns like Brighton, Reading, and Canterbury charge between £60-£75 for both ears.
Home visit services are becoming increasingly popular in the South East, typically adding £20-£40 to the standard clinic price.
South West England
Average Cost: £50-£80 for both ears
The South West, encompassing Bristol, Bath, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, offers relatively competitive pricing. Many clinics across the region charge a flat fee of £60-£70 for both ears, with rural areas sometimes offering slightly lower prices.
Multiple clinics across the South, Southwest, and Midlands offer consistent regional pricing, making it easier to predict costs in these areas.
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Midlands
Average Cost: £50-£80 for both ears
The Midlands region, including Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham, offers some of the most competitive pricing in England. Some Midlands providers offer at-home ear wax removal for just £70 for both ears included, making them among the most affordable and convenient options in the region.
Cities like Birmingham have numerous clinics competing for business, which helps keep prices reasonable. Expect to pay £55-£75 in most cases.
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North West England
Average Cost: £50-£75 for both ears
The North West, including Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester, benefits from strong competition among providers. Some clinic networks offer promotional pricing with ear wax removal for one ear at £49 or both ears at £59 in multiple locations across the region.
Manchester and Liverpool both have established clinic networks that offer transparent, competitive pricing, typically ranging from £60-£70 for both ears.
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North East England
Average Cost: £50-£75 for both ears
The North East, covering Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, and surrounding areas, offers affordable ear wax removal services. Many clinics in this region charge between £55-£70 for both ears, with microsuction being the predominant method.
Yorkshire
Average Cost: £50-£75 for both ears
Yorkshire, including Leeds, Sheffield, York, and Hull, has a well-established network of ear care providers. Pricing is generally very competitive, with most clinics charging £60-£70 for both ears. Leeds, being a major city, has particularly good choice and value.
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Scotland
Average Cost: £45-£80 for both ears
Scotland offers some interesting variations in pricing and service provision. Some Scottish clinics charge £45 for one ear or £55 for both, making them among the more affordable options in the UK.
Certain Scottish clinics offer expert earwax removal completely free of charge for over-75s every Tuesday and Thursday in Edinburgh and Galashiels, demonstrating innovative approaches to filling the gap left by NHS service withdrawal.
Major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen have good coverage, with most clinics charging £55-£75 for both ears.
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Wales
Average Cost: £50-£80 for both ears
Wales faces similar challenges to England regarding NHS service availability, with many areas having limited or no provision. Private clinics operate across Wales, with pricing comparable to the Midlands and South West regions.
Cardiff and Swansea offer the widest choice of providers, with typical costs of £60-£75 for both ears.
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Northern Ireland
Average Cost: £50-£75 for both ears
Northern Ireland has maintained slightly better NHS coverage than other UK regions in some areas, but private services are still widely used. Belfast has several established clinics with prices typically ranging from £55-£70 for both ears.
What Affects the Price?
Understanding why prices vary can help you make informed decisions about where to seek treatment. Here are the key factors that influence ear wax removal costs:
1. Location and Overhead Costs
Prices tend to be slightly higher in larger cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham compared to smaller towns. This reflects higher rent, staffing costs, and general business expenses in urban areas. Clinics in prime high street locations will typically charge more than those in suburban settings.
2. Practitioner Qualifications
The type of healthcare professional you see can significantly impact the price. ENT specialists can charge up to £350 for a consultation and ear wax removal, while audiologists, ear care specialists, and nurses typically charge £65-£150.
It’s worth noting that higher prices don’t always guarantee better outcomes. Many highly qualified audiologists and ear care specialists charge mid-range prices and deliver excellent results.
3. Removal Method
Microsuction tends to be priced at the higher end of the range because it requires specialized equipment (microscopes or loupes) and specific training. Irrigation is often slightly cheaper, while manual removal typically sits in the middle.
Many modern clinics offer all three methods and will choose the most appropriate one based on your specific situation, charging a flat fee regardless of which method is used.
4. One Ear vs Both Ears
Some clinics charge per ear, which can significantly affect your total cost if you need both ears treated. Always clarify whether the quoted price is per ear or for both ears. In most cases, if you need both ears done, clinics charging per ear still offer better value than booking two separate single-ear appointments.
5. What’s Included
Check whether the price includes a full ear health examination, follow-up appointments if needed, and any necessary aftercare advice. If no earwax is found on examination, some clinics apply a minimum consultation charge starting from £25, while others may offer a partial refund or no charge at all.
6. Additional Services
Some premium clinics include complimentary hearing tests, detailed ear health reports, or extended consultation time, which may justify their higher prices. Home visit services typically add £20-£50 to the standard clinic price.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When comparing prices, be aware of potential additional charges:
- Initial consultation fees: Some clinics charge separately for the examination
- Follow-up appointments: If wax is too hard to remove in one session, you might need to return
- Parking charges: Particularly relevant in city centers
- Preparation products: Some clinics sell olive oil drops or recommend specific brands
- Failed treatment fees: Some providers charge even if no wax is found or removed
Always ask for a clear breakdown of what’s included before booking your appointment.
Getting Value for Money
Price shouldn’t be your only consideration when choosing an ear wax removal service. Here’s how to ensure you get good value:
Look for Transparent Pricing
Reputable clinics display their prices clearly on their websites. Be wary of providers who won’t quote prices upfront or who have vague pricing structures.
Check Qualifications
Ensure your practitioner is properly qualified. Look for audiologists, registered nurses, or ear care specialists with specific training in ear wax removal. Providers with little training and experience can operate in this space, so checking credentials is important.
Read Reviews
Online reviews can provide valuable insights into whether a clinic offers good value. Look for comments about pricing transparency, treatment effectiveness, and overall patient experience.
Consider Convenience
Sometimes paying slightly more for a clinic that’s easier to reach, offers evening or weekend appointments, or provides home visits can be worth it when you factor in time off work, travel costs, and parking fees.
Ask About Package Deals
If you’re prone to ear wax buildup and need regular treatments, some clinics offer package deals or loyalty programs that reduce the per-session cost.
When Price Shouldn’t Be the Deciding Factor
While it’s natural to want to save money, there are situations where choosing the cheapest option might not be wise:
- If you have a history of ear problems, perforated eardrums, or ear surgery
- If you’re experiencing severe pain or discharge
- If you have hearing aids that need careful handling
- If you’ve had complications from previous ear wax removal
In these cases, it’s worth paying more for a highly experienced practitioner or specialist clinic that can handle complex cases safely.
NHS Options Still Available
While NHS ear wax removal has been largely withdrawn, limited access still exists for people who meet specific criteria:
- Significant documented hearing loss directly caused by ear wax
- Inability to self-care due to physical or cognitive limitations
- Ear wax blocking hearing aid fitting or causing medical complications
- Part of treatment for another ear condition
If you think you might qualify, ask your GP for a referral to NHS audiology services. Be prepared for potentially long waiting times—often several weeks or months.
Making Your Choice
When researching ear wax removal costs in your area, use our clinic search tool to compare prices, read reviews, and find qualified practitioners near you. You can filter by location, treatment method, and price range to find the best option for your needs and budget.
Remember that in the UK, private clinics typically charge anywhere between £40 and £100 for ear wax removal, so if you’re quoted significantly outside this range, it’s worth asking why.
The Bottom Line
Ear wax removal costs in the UK have become a reality for millions of people due to NHS service withdrawal. While prices vary by region, you can generally expect to pay £50-£75 for both ears at a reputable clinic using safe, modern methods like microsuction.
London and the South East tend to be pricier, while Scotland, the North, and parts of the Midlands often offer more competitive rates. However, the most important factors are the practitioner’s qualifications, the safety of the methods used, and the overall quality of care—not just the price.
Don’t let ear wax buildup affect your hearing and quality of life. Search for a professional ear wax removal clinic in your region today and get the relief you need at a price that works for your budget.
Note: Prices mentioned in this guide may vary. Always confirm current pricing directly with clinics before booking.
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