Book online or call us; let us know if you have any history of ear surgery or a perforated eardrum.
Apply olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops twice daily before your appointment to soften the wax and make removal more comfortable.
Our practitioner examines your ear, then removes the wax using a small suction device under direct vision; most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes.
Earwax build-up does not always feel the same for everyone. These are some of the most common signs that wax may be the problem.
Microsuction is performed under direct vision throughout the procedure. No water enters the ear canal, which reduces infection risk and eliminates the dizziness associated with temperature changes during irrigation. Unlike old-style syringing, microsuction uses gentle suction to lift wax out directly. Both ears can be treated in a single 15 to 30-minute appointment. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in hearing. This is a private service with no GP referral needed
Every appointment begins with an otoscope examination before anything else. Our practitioner checks that wax is present, assesses the ear canal condition, and confirms suitability for microsuction. If no significant wax is found, we tell you honestly. If the examination reveals an ear infection, foreign body, or eardrum concern, we will not proceed. We will explain what we found and advise whether a GP or ENT referral is appropriate.
NICE recommends using softening drops for up to 5 days before earwax removal. Olive oil drops, sodium bicarbonate ear drops, and proprietary earwax softening sprays are all suitable for most people. We stock these at the pharmacy. Apply 2 to 3 drops twice daily, tilt the affected ear upward, hold for 5 to 10 minutes, then allow it to drain naturally. Softened wax makes the procedure more comfortable and more effective.
Do not use drops if you have ear pain, discharge, or a known perforated eardrum.
NICE updated its earwax removal guidance in 2018. Manual ear syringing was removed from recommended procedures due to safety concerns, pressure was difficult to regulate, and complications including eardrum perforation and ear canal damage were documented.
NICE now recommends electronic irrigation and microsuction. Both require specialist equipment and training that most GP practices do not have. Earwax removal is also not part of the core NHS contract that all GP surgeries must deliver. Without local commissioning, most GPs stopped offering it altogether.
Private earwax removal at community pharmacies has grown to fill that gap. At Yatton Pharmacy, we offer microsuction.
For mild build-up, softening drops used consistently over several days can help wax migrate out naturally. The ear canal has its own cleaning mechanism and drops support this process.
Cotton buds do not remove earwax. They push it deeper toward the eardrum, which is one of the most common reasons professional removal becomes necessary. Ear candles are not recommended by NICE, ENT UK, or the British Society of Audiology. There is no clinical evidence they work, and they carry a risk of burns.
If drops have not helped after 5 days, or your symptoms are affecting daily life, come in for an assessment.
Microsuction is suitable for most adults. The table below gives a quick guide to common situations. If you are unsure, call us and we will advise before you book.
Your situation
Microsuction suitable?
Blocked ears, dulled hearing, or feeling of fullness
Usually yes
History of perforated eardrum
Tell us before booking, assessment required
Previous ear surgery (e.g. mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty)
Tell us before booking, assessment required
Grommets (ventilation tubes) currently in place
Not suitable, contact your GP or ENT
Active ear infection with pain, discharge or fever
Not suitable, treat infection first, then rebook
Hearing aid user with wax affecting the fit
Yes, microsuction is ideal for hearing aid users
Irrigation not available or previously tried and failed
Yes
Earwax removal is in our name. It is a core part of what we offer, not something we do on the side.
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Real stories from real patients who trust Yatton Pharmacy & Ear Wax Removal Centre every day.
Great team 👍 I popped in there yesterday for anti histamine tablets and the team very helpful also had a flu jab injection on NHS and very professional medic called ” Femi” was extremely helpful and explained possible side effects of flu jab etc ..a brilliant team at brilliant pharmacy !
“Absolutely outstanding service at Yatton Pharmacy! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, especially the pharmacists.”
“Both my mother, myself and my daughter recently relocated to Yatton, and my mother has quite complicated medical issues and medications, and my monthly prescription meds total 10 items.
The pharmacist, Hussein, has been an absolute star through these processes, and as our new nominated pharmacy, has smoothly set up both dosette boxes for my 88 year old diabetic mother, and delivery to her home weekly.!”
“Excellent pharmacy, always have my orders ready on time. Very helpful with minor health issues, so saves trying to see a GP.”
“Excellent pharmacist advice given! Really took the time to help me out and sort a plan of action! Big thanks”
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 17:30
Sunday: Closed
The friendly faces behind Yatton Pharmacy & Ear Wax Removal Centre
Tariq Amin (GPhc: 2051889) serves as the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director/Pharmacist at Yatton Pharmacy. He is responsible for overseeing the safe and effective operation of the pharmacy, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and professional standards.
Hussain Jahangir is an experienced pharmacist who provides a full range of pharmacy services. He helps patients with prescriptions, medication advice, and health support, always focusing on clear and helpful care.
For most people, no. You may feel a mild buzzing or light tickling sensation. If wax is very dry or hard, it can feel slightly uncomfortable. Using softening drops beforehand helps with this. If you feel any pain during the procedure, let the practitioner know and they will stop straight away.
Yes. Use earwax softening drops for 3 to 5 days before your appointment. Olive oil drops, sodium bicarbonate drops, or a proprietary spray all work well. We stock these at the pharmacy. Do not use drops if you have ear pain, discharge, or a known perforated eardrum. Call us first if any of these apply.
Usually 15 to 30 minutes for both ears, including the initial examination. One ear takes less time. If wax is heavily impacted and not fully softened, we may ask you to continue with drops and come back. We will always be upfront about what is needed.
In most cases, yes. Many patients notice a difference within minutes. Some experience a brief adjustment period as the ear gets used to unobstructed sound, which is normal and settles quickly. If hearing does not improve, our practitioner will advise whether a GP referral is needed.
Not through this pharmacy. NHS earwax removal is limited or unavailable in many parts of North Somerset. Our private service exists to fill that gap, with no waiting time and no GP referral needed.
Yes. Hearing aid users are among the most common patients we see. Wax builds up faster in ears that wear hearing aids and can cause feedback and poor sound quality. Microsuction is well suited to hearing aid users as it is a dry procedure. Remove your hearing aid before your appointment.
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