Emergency Ear
Appointments
Severe ear pain, sudden hearing loss, or a completely blocked ear can't always wait. We keep same-day slots available for urgent cases — call us and we'll do our best to see you today.
When Does an Ear Problem Become Urgent?
Most earwax buildup develops gradually and can wait for a routine appointment. But some situations genuinely can't. If any of the following applies to you, call us for a same-day assessment rather than waiting.
Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden, complete hearing loss — especially if it came on quickly — should always be assessed the same day. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a medical emergency requiring treatment within 24–72 hours.
Severe Ear Pain
Severe pain combined with blocked hearing, discharge, or fever may indicate an ear infection rather than wax. We'll assess whether wax removal is appropriate or whether you need GP treatment.
Completely Blocked Ear
A sudden, complete blockage — where you can hear almost nothing — is distressing and can affect your balance. Same-day microsuction can resolve this quickly.
Flying Soon
Blocked ears and air pressure changes are a painful combination. If you're flying within the next few days, call us — we'll do our best to fit you in before your departure.
Child with Ear Pain
Children with sudden hearing loss or ear pain should always be seen promptly. If your child is pulling at their ear, seems distressed, or has stopped responding to sounds, call us or your GP the same day.
Important Event Coming Up
A job interview, a wedding, or a work presentation — hearing loss affects communication and confidence. If something important is coming up, we'll do our best to fit you in.
What Happens at an Emergency Appointment
An emergency appointment follows the same clinical process as a routine one — the only difference is the speed of booking.
Call Us
Phone 01769 302119 and describe your symptoms. We'll assess urgency over the phone and confirm whether we can see you the same day.
Otoscopic Assessment
Your practitioner examines both ears with an illuminated otoscope. This determines whether wax is the cause and whether your eardrum is intact.
Brief Symptom History
We'll ask when symptoms started, how quickly they developed, and whether you have any relevant history such as previous ear surgery or infections.
Wax Removed (if appropriate)
Microsuction is preferred for emergency cases — it requires no pre-softening with drops and works on hard, dry wax as well as soft wax.
Post-Procedure Check
Your ears are re-examined to confirm clearance and check the condition of your eardrums. We'll explain exactly what we found.
Referral if Needed
If the cause isn't wax — signs of infection, inflammation, or a perforated eardrum — we'll advise on the appropriate next step and refer you promptly.
Why microsuction for emergencies?
Microsuction doesn't require pre-softening with drops, which makes it the preferred method when there hasn't been time to prepare. It works on hard, dry wax as well as soft wax — though the procedure may take slightly longer with very compacted wax. Ear irrigation is also available for suitable patients.
Symptoms That Need A&E, Not Us
Some ear symptoms indicate a medical emergency that goes beyond earwax. If you experience any of the following, go to A&E or call 999 — do not wait for an ear appointment.
Sudden hearing loss + facial weakness
Sudden hearing loss accompanied by facial weakness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or severe vertigo may indicate a stroke or serious neurological event. This is a 999 emergency.
Ear pain after a head injury
Ear pain following a head injury — particularly if accompanied by clear fluid draining from the ear — can indicate a skull fracture. Go to A&E immediately.
High fever with ear pain in children
A child with a high fever, severe ear pain, and a stiff neck needs urgent hospital assessment. These symptoms together can indicate meningitis.
Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Redness and swelling spreading beyond the ear onto the face or neck can indicate a serious infection spreading to surrounding tissue. Go to A&E.
Not sure which applies to you?
Call us on 01769 302119 and describe your symptoms. We'll ask a few questions and give you an honest answer. We'd always rather you called and found out you didn't need us than delayed seeking help when you did.
No Premium for Urgency
Emergency same-day appointments are charged at the standard rate. There's no additional fee for priority booking.
Clinic Appointment
One or both ears
- Otoscopic assessment included
- One or both ears treated
- Microsuction or irrigation
- Aftercare advice included
- Free follow-up if needed
Assessment Only
If wax removal not appropriate
- Full otoscopic examination
- Symptom assessment
- Clinical advice
- GP referral letter if needed
- Charged if no wax removed
Applies when the cause of symptoms is infection, inflammation, or another condition rather than wax.
Home Visit
Distance-based pricing
- Same clinical standard as clinic
- Within 20 miles of South Molton
- £75 within 10 miles
- £85 for 10–20 miles
- Subject to availability
Full pricing details including household visits and follow-up policy on our pricing page →
When Can We See You?
Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday, subject to availability. We keep a small number of slots reserved for urgent cases each day — but these do fill up, so the earlier you call, the better.
For out-of-hours enquiries, leave a message and we'll call you back first thing the following morning. If your symptoms are severe and can't wait, please contact NHS 111 or go to A&E.
Home visit emergency appointments are available on the same terms — call to confirm whether we can reach you the same day. For urgent home visits, we'll always try to accommodate you.
Availability at a Glance
Out of hours? Call 01769 302119 and leave a message. We'll return your call first thing the next morning.
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.
Don't Wait — Call Us Now
If your ears are causing you significant distress, call us on 01769 302119. We'll assess whether we can help and, if so, get you booked in as quickly as possible.
Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday. For out-of-hours enquiries, leave a message and we'll call you back first thing.