Ear Health
Assessment
Not sure whether your ear symptoms are caused by wax, infection, or something else? An ear health assessment gives you a clear picture of what's happening in your ears — and what, if anything, needs to be done about it.
What an Ear Health Assessment Covers
An ear health assessment is a structured clinical examination of your ears — not a hearing test. It gives a thorough picture of the physical health of your ear canals, eardrums, and the wax situation in each ear. Every wax removal appointment at Earwax Removal Devon begins with this assessment as standard.
Ear Canal Condition
We examine the skin of the ear canal for signs of inflammation, infection, or irritation — including conditions like otitis externa that can mimic wax symptoms.
Eardrum Appearance
A healthy eardrum is translucent and slightly concave. Changes in colour, opacity, or position can indicate infection, fluid behind the drum, or a previous perforation.
Wax Type and Amount
We assess the amount, consistency, and position of wax in each ear to determine whether removal is needed and which method — microsuction or irrigation — is most appropriate.
Symptom History
We take a structured history: when symptoms started, whether they came on gradually or suddenly, one or both ears, and any previous ear problems or surgery.
What Happens at Your Assessment
The assessment follows a structured clinical process. The whole thing typically takes 15–20 minutes as a standalone appointment.
Symptom History
We start with a conversation about your symptoms — when they started, whether they came on gradually or suddenly, whether one or both ears are affected, and any previous ear problems or surgery.
Otoscopic Examination
We use an otoscope — a small, illuminated instrument — to look inside each ear canal. This takes a minute or two per ear and is entirely painless.
Wax Assessment
We assess the amount, type, and position of any wax present. Soft, mobile wax behaves differently from hard, impacted wax — and the treatment approach differs accordingly.
Eardrum Check
We examine the eardrum for signs of perforation, fluid behind the drum, or active infection. This determines whether wax removal is safe to proceed with.
Plain-Language Explanation
We explain what we've found in plain language — not medical jargon. If wax is present and causing symptoms, we'll recommend the most appropriate removal method.
Treatment or Referral
If treatment is appropriate, we can often proceed in the same appointment. If we find something beyond our scope, we'll explain what we've found and advise on the right next step.
Who Should Book a Standalone Assessment?
A standalone assessment is particularly useful when you're not sure whether your symptoms are caused by wax. Muffled hearing, tinnitus, ear fullness, and earache are all symptoms of wax impaction — but they're also symptoms of other conditions. An assessment tells you which it is.
Uncertain About Your Symptoms
If you're not sure whether your hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness is caused by wax or something else, an assessment gives you a clear answer before you decide on treatment.
Hearing Aid Wearers
Wax builds up gradually and affects device performance before it causes noticeable hearing loss. A routine assessment every 3–6 months catches this early.
Adults Over 65
Wax becomes drier and harder with age, and the ear's self-cleaning mechanism becomes less efficient. An annual assessment is a sensible preventive measure.
Post-Surgery or Perforation
If you've had ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or a middle ear infection, an assessment before any wax removal confirms the ear has healed and treatment is safe.
Previous Removal Didn't Help
If you've had wax removed but your symptoms haven't fully resolved, an assessment helps identify whether wax is still the cause or whether something else is involved.
GP Referral for Wax Removal
If your GP has referred you for wax removal but you want a second opinion, or want to understand the state of your ears before proceeding, a standalone assessment is the right starting point.
What We Can and Can't Diagnose
Our assessment is a clinical examination, not a full audiological evaluation. We're honest about the limits of what we can assess — and we'll always tell you clearly if your symptoms need a different specialist.
What We Can Identify
- Earwax impaction — amount, type, and position
- Ear canal inflammation or otitis externa
- Eardrum appearance — intact, perforated, or retracted
- Signs of active infection or discharge
- Fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear)
- Scarring from previous infections or surgery
- Whether wax removal is safe to proceed
- Which removal method is most appropriate
What Requires a Specialist
- Sensorineural hearing loss (requires audiometry)
- Ménière's disease (requires specialist evaluation)
- Otosclerosis (requires audiological testing)
- Acoustic neuroma (requires MRI)
- Conditions requiring imaging or biopsy
- Tinnitus without wax cause (requires audiology)
- Balance disorders (requires vestibular assessment)
- Conditions beyond the scope of visual examination
We're honest about the limits of what we can assess. If your symptoms suggest something beyond earwax, we'll tell you clearly and direct you to the appropriate specialist — with a plain-language explanation of what to tell them.
Assessment Pricing
A standalone assessment costs £30. If treatment is recommended and you proceed in the same appointment, the assessment fee is included in the treatment price — you don't pay for both separately.
Standalone Assessment
Assessment only
- Full otoscopic examination
- Symptom history taken
- Eardrum and canal assessment
- Plain-language explanation
- Treatment recommendation
- Referral letter if needed
If treatment is recommended and proceeds in the same appointment, the £30 is credited — you pay the treatment price only.
Included with Wax Removal
Part of every appointment
- Assessment included at no extra cost
- Clinic appointment from £60
- Home visit from £75
- One or both ears treated
- Aftercare advice included
- Free follow-up if needed
Every wax removal appointment begins with a full ear health assessment as standard — no additional charge.
Full pricing for all services is on our pricing page.
Written & Reviewed By
Eleni Kiromitis
Ear Care Specialist — Earwax Removal Devon
Eleni is a qualified ear care practitioner based in South Molton, Devon. She holds a Certificate in Ear Care (Level 6) and is trained in both microsuction and water irrigation. She practises in line with NICE guideline NG207 on earwax management and carries full professional indemnity insurance. All clinical content on this page has been written and reviewed by Eleni to ensure accuracy.
Get a Clear Picture of Your Ear Health
If you're experiencing ear symptoms and want to know what's causing them, an assessment is the right starting point. Book online or call us to discuss your situation.
Same-day appointments often available across Devon.