FREE EAR CHECK · HOLBORN, LONDON ONLY
Earwax removal in Holborn
Not sure whether your ears need cleaning? Visit Ways Pharmacy Holborn for a free ear check. We'll examine your ears and explain whether earwax removal is needed.
The check is free, with no obligation to have wax removed. Our Clear Clinics-trained team provides advice in English and Chinese.
77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · Near the British Museum
START WITH A FREE EAR CHECK
Find out whether your ears need cleaning
You do not need to know whether you have an earwax blockage before calling us. Book a free ear examination at Holborn and our team will check whether wax removal is appropriate.
Blocked or full ears
A persistent blocked sensation may be caused by a build-up of wax.
Muffled hearing
Wax can reduce hearing, but hearing changes can have other causes that need medical care.
Wax that keeps returning
Ask our team for advice if wax repeatedly builds up or affects the use of your hearing aids.
Tell us about any ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, grommets, ear infections, discharge, dizziness or problems with previous ear treatment. Also tell us if the ear to be treated is your only hearing ear or you take blood-thinning medicines. If booking for a child, please call to check whether the service is suitable before travelling.
Sudden hearing loss needs urgent help
If hearing suddenly drops in one or both ears, or worsens over days or weeks, seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111. Do not wait for a wax-removal appointment. Hearing loss with ear pain or discharge also needs urgent medical advice.
MICROSUCTION & MANUAL REMOVAL
Two methods, chosen after assessment
Our team has received earwax removal training from Clear Clinics. At Holborn we offer the following methods, depending on your ear examination, medical history and consent.
Microsuction
A fine suction tube removes wax while the practitioner views the ear canal. This method does not use water to flush the ear. You may hear a loud suction noise during treatment.
Manual removal
The practitioner uses small instruments, such as a wax hook or fine forceps, to carefully lift out suitable wax while viewing the ear canal. It may be used on its own or alongside microsuction, depending on the assessment.
Neither method suits everyone. Treatment can cause discomfort, dizziness, irritation or bleeding. Infection, injury to the ear canal or eardrum, and changes in hearing are also possible. Microsuction may trigger or worsen tinnitus. We will discuss the relevant risks before starting. Tell us immediately if you feel pain or dizziness, or need to cough or move, so we can pause the procedure.
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What to expect
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Call our Holborn team
Call 020 8106 7084 to arrange your free ear check, even if you are unsure whether wax needs removing. We will explain any preparation needed.
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Have your ears checked for free
We review your ear history and examine the ear canal before discussing whether removal is appropriate and which method to use.
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Removal and next-step advice
If suitable and with your consent, we remove the wax. We explain any aftercare and whether further assessment or another visit is needed.
After treatment, seek medical advice if you develop pain, discharge, ongoing dizziness or a change in hearing. Sudden hearing loss still needs urgent GP or NHS 111 advice. If your hearing has not returned after wax treatment, see your GP.
BEFORE YOU COME IN
Prepare your ears with advice from our team
Ask about softening drops
Wax-softening drops may be advised before your visit. Call us to confirm the product and number of days to use it. Do not use ear drops if you have a perforated eardrum unless a clinician tells you to.
Avoid putting objects in your ears
Do not use cotton buds, fingers or other objects to remove wax: they can push it further in. Ear candles and home ear vacuums are not recommended for clearing wax.
If you develop pain, discharge or a change in symptoms before your appointment, contact the team for advice. Seek urgent help for the hearing changes described above.
Google reviews
Experiences at our Holborn pharmacy
Selected Google reviews about ear care at our Holborn pharmacy. Follow each link to read the full review.
Review excerpts checked on 9 September 2026.
ear wax removing - gentle, with good explanations
The staff member was incredibly patient.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Earwax removal FAQs
Is the ear examination really free?
Yes. Your ear check at Holborn is free, including when no wax needs removing. There is no obligation to have paid wax removal.
How much does earwax removal cost?
The ear examination is free. If wax removal is needed and you choose to go ahead, one ear costs £50 and both ears cost £80. Please ask about any repeat-removal visit charges if another treatment appointment is needed.
How do I book a free ear check?
Call our Holborn pharmacy on 020 8106 7084 to arrange your free ear examination. Please telephone before visiting. Wax-removal appointments are also arranged by phone.
Is the service available in Nottingham?
No. This earwax removal service is available only at Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET.
Do you use microsuction or manual removal?
We offer microsuction and manual removal using small instruments. The practitioner checks your ears and medical history, explains the suitable options and obtains your consent before treatment.
Will I need ear drops beforehand?
You may be advised to soften the wax before your visit. Call our team for instructions. Do not use drops with a perforated eardrum unless a clinician advises you to.
Does it hurt?
You may notice suction noise, discomfort or brief dizziness. Tell the practitioner immediately if you have pain or feel unwell. The method and risks will be discussed before treatment.
Will all the wax be removed in one visit?
Sometimes further softening, another appointment or referral is needed. Removal may not be suitable if an ear problem is found. The team will explain the next steps; a particular result is not guaranteed.
HOLBORN ONLY
Call to book your free ear check
Ways Pharmacy, Holborn
77 Southampton RowHolborn, London WC1B 4ET
Near the British Museum, Holborn and Russell Square stations.
Pharmacy opening hours
Monday–Friday: 9am–6pm
Saturday–Sunday: closed
Please call to confirm appointment availability and bank-holiday hours.
Get directionsSpeak to the Holborn team
Visit our Holborn team for a free check to find out whether your ears need cleaning. When booking, tell us about any symptoms or previous ear problems.
Call 020 8106 7084Earwax removal is booked by phone. It is not currently offered at our Nottingham branch.
GPhC-registered pharmacy premises: 9012227
English and Chinese support
Further information: NHS earwax advice · NHS hearing-loss advice · UCLH microsuction guide · Hull University Teaching Hospitals microsuction and manual removal guide · Clear Clinics
