Start with the practical basics
What to do before you attend
The most useful preparation is to make the appointment team aware of information that could affect the assessment. Whether any wax needs removing, and which method may be appropriate, is decided after the ear has been examined.
A useful appointment note
If you use hearing aids, have had ear treatment before, or have noticed a change in symptoms, mention it when booking or at the appointment. You do not need to work out the method yourself in advance.
Ask about drops rather than assuming a routine
Drops can be relevant to an individual appointment, particularly where irrigation is being considered. Use them only as advised for your ear history and planned route.
Read about ear drops before earwax removalLeave the ear canal alone
Do not try to clean inside the ear with cotton buds or other objects before the appointment. They can push wax deeper or injure the canal or eardrum.
Why cotton buds can make wax problems worseHave relevant information ready
Tell the practitioner about relevant ear history, a recent change in symptoms and any information that may help the assessment. Bring hearing aids if you use them.
Read the fuller suitability guidanceOn the day
What you can expect
The appointment starts with questions about your symptoms and relevant ear history, followed by an ear examination. If removal is appropriate, the method is discussed in light of what is found. If it is not the right route, the next suitable step is explained instead.
Questions and examination first
The assessment helps establish whether wax is present and whether removal may be appropriate.
Method follows the finding
Microsuction and irrigation have different considerations; neither is assumed before assessment.
Clear next steps
The service explains the appropriate next route if removal is not carried out at that appointment.
If anything has changed
Contact the service before a routine appointment if your ear history, symptoms or access details have changed. If you have sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss, do not wait for a routine earwax appointment; use the appropriate urgent NHS route instead.
Clinic and confirmed home-visit routes
Clinic appointments are booked for South Molton. If you have an eligible home visit confirmed, tell the service if the address or access details change so the appointment can be reviewed.
Choose the right guide
Questions this page does not answer
How the dry method is considered after an assessment.
Open guide Professional ear irrigationWhen a water-based method may be considered.
Open guide Ear health assessmentWhat to do if you are not sure wax is causing the problem.
Open guide Who is suitable for earwax removalMethod-specific suitability and referral boundaries.
Open guide Aftercare after earwax removalWhat to follow after your appointment, when to contact the clinic and when to use an NHS route.
Open guide Recurrent earwax and removal timingWhy recurrence does not create a universal appointment schedule.
Open guideReady to arrange the right appointment?
Use the booking route for a South Molton clinic appointment or an eligible home-visit request. If you are unsure about preparation, include the relevant information when you get in touch.