How much does ear wax removal cost in the UK? (2026 guide)

What do the big high-street chains charge?

As of August 2026, Specsavers charges £55 for microsuction ear wax removal, a flat fee that covers both ears. Boots Hearingcare charges £60, with a £25 charge if the clinician finds no wax to remove. Both services run from audiology departments inside larger stores, so appointments generally follow standard shop hours and availability depends on when an audiologist is on site.

How much do independent clinics charge near Altrincham?

Independent ear wax removal clinics around Altrincham typically charge between £45 and £70 as of August 2026, and pricing structures vary. One local clinic charges £60 whether you have one ear or both treated; another charges £49 for one ear and £59 for both. Mobile services that come to your home start from around £40–£45 per visit locally, although nationally £90–£150 is more typical for a home visit. To be clear, we do not offer home visits ourselves; our service runs from the pharmacy in Timperley.

At the top end, ENT consultant clinics charge from around £145 as of August 2026. That route can make sense for complex ears (previous surgery, a perforated eardrum, or repeated problems), but for routine wax removal most people do not need consultant-level care.

Can I get ear wax removal free on the NHS?

Ear wax removal is no longer a core GP service in most areas of England. Locally, access is referral-based and restricted: your practice may refer you if you meet certain criteria, but routine wax removal is not generally available on demand and waits can be long. That is why many people who want a blocked ear dealt with promptly now use a private clinic or pharmacy service.

What do we charge in Timperley?

At Timperley Late Night Pharmacy (250 Stockport Road, Timperley, Altrincham WA15 7UN) we charge a flat £50 for one ear and £70 for both ears. The price is the same in the evening and at the weekend, and there are no hidden fees. You can see the full breakdown on our ear wax removal prices page.

We are not the lowest-priced option in the area: a couple of nearby clinics charge less. What our pricing offers is predictability and access: we are open Monday to Saturday 9am–9pm and Sunday 9am–6pm (over 80 hours a week), same-day appointments are often available, no GP referral is needed, and there is free parking directly outside. Microsuction here is carried out by a pharmacist; our Superintendent Pharmacist is Muhammad Usman Shafique (GPhC 2067844).

One honest caveat: we are a wax removal service only. We do not offer hearing tests, hearing aids, audiology, home visits or ear irrigation, so if you also want a hearing check, a high-street audiology chain may suit that part of the job.

Do I pay if no wax is found?

Occasionally, ear symptoms turn out to be caused by something other than wax. At our clinic the pharmacist examines both ears first and, if there is no significant wax to remove, discusses what they can see with you before anything else happens, so you are never treated for a blockage you do not have. If you are comparing clinics, it is worth asking how each handles this, because policies differ: Boots Hearingcare, for example, applies a £25 charge if no wax is found (as of August 2026).

How can I keep the cost down?

• Soften the wax first. Olive oil drops (or Earol spray) for 3–5 days before your appointment usually make removal easier. It is not strictly required, but with well-softened wax most blockages are cleared in one visit; occasionally a second visit or a few more days of softening drops are needed. Do not use olive oil or Earol if you have (or suspect) a perforated eardrum, grommets, or any discharge from the ear — come in without softening and check with the pharmacist or your GP first.
• Book both ears together if both feel blocked. With our flat pricing, both ears cost £70 rather than two separate £50 single-ear appointments.
• Avoid cotton buds. They tend to push wax deeper, which can make a blockage worse and removal harder.

Do children pay the same price?

Yes: the same flat prices apply. We can usually see children from around age 5, always subject to the pharmacist's assessment on the day; we do not see children under 5. Book via our contact page or by phone on 0161 948 5066.