Clear Ear Clinic provides the best method for removing problem ear wax or cerumen: microsuction. We offer fast appointments at flexible times (usually on the same day) and can usually deal with the problem in one 15-minute visit. It is exceptionally rare to need more than one appointment. The assessment has a small £25 charge, if we cannot help you, there is no further charge.

Clear Ear Clinic is the first independent provider of stand-alone aural care services in the UK, and is one of the few registered with the UK regulator of healthcare: the Care Quality Commission.

What is microsuction?

Microsuction is a wax-removal technique using a binocular operating microscope to look straight into the ear canal and a very fine sterile suction device at low pressure to remove the wax

Prices and times

We are open:

Mon - Sat: please call for an appointment

Contact us

The best way to make an appointment is to phone us on 020 7495 6314. You can also use the contact form, or email us at info@clearearclinic.com.

What is microsuction?

Microsuction is a wax-removal technique using a binocular operating microscope (which allows depth-perception and magnification) to look straight into the ear canal and a very fine sterile suction device at low pressure to remove the wax. Occasionally we may need to use other instruments to remove hard wax. The technique means that we can always see what we are doing and can avoid touching the skin of the sides of the ear canal which makes the process a lot more comfortable.

Why is microsuction better?

Compared to the traditional forms of wax removal – ear drops and irrigation or “syringing” – microsuction is:

• safer

• quicker

• neater

• generally better tolerated

• more effective

• doesn’t need weeks of waiting for drops to soften the wax

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I have to use ear drops before I come to see you?

A: No! You can come and see us as soon as you have a problem and have it sorted out in one visit. Microsuction, unlike syringing, doesn't require fiddling with drops for weeks before-hand. Don't worry if you have been using them already - we can deal with that as well.

Q: I have otitis externa (inflammation/ infection of ear canal) in both ears, can you help?

A: Yes. Microsuction is part of the best treatment of otitis externa, we'll be able to clear the infected debris and usually improve your hearing immediately. Our doctors will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment or we will work with your GP to make sure you get the best management.

Q: Do you only remove wax with a sucker? Can you remove it with other methods?

A: It really depends on the wax you have in your ears. We use the tools which are appropriate to the job, but yes, we can use scoops and fine probes to remove the wax without the sucker. If you'd prefer this just ask us beforehand, it's not always possible but we will try.

Q: I've had ear problems and surgery on my ears in the past, is microsuction appropriate for me?

A: Absolutely. Irrigation removal of wax (syringing) in ears which have had previous problems is contraindicated. Because microsuction is conducted under the operating microscope we can always see what we are doing, this is considered safer.

Q: I've emailed you for an appointment, how long will I have to wait for a reply?

A:  We try to answer all email as soon as we receive it. Most emails are answered within an hour during work hours. 

Q: I had my ears cleared but I'm still having trouble with them, what should I do?

A: We're sorry to hear that. Please make an appointment to see us again as soon as possible, we'll try to fix this if we can. There is only a £25 assessment charge for a follow-up appointment within 2 weeks.

Q: Do you have step-free access?

A: We do, but we need a bit of warning to get the ramps in place, so please let us know when you book.

Q: This may seem like a strange question, but do you have gift vouchers?

A: You're not the first person to ask, and yes, we do! Use the contact form to tell us about it and we'll see what we can do.

Q: Are you covered by BUPA/AXA/ other health insurers?

A: It depends on your insurer. We are happy to fill in any forms you need to claim your fees back from your insurer but we don't take payments from them directly. Please check with them that they will cover your treatment by the practitioner you are seeing, as sometimes they will cover a doctor but not a nurse.

Q: Can I book to see a specific person?

A: Of course, just ask the receptionist to make the appointment for the day your preferred provider works. Unfortunately we can't always guarantee that your appointment will be with a particular person, but anyone who sees you will be fully qualified to undertake your care. 

q: I don’t speak ENglish, can you still help me?

Q: I have another question you haven't answered here.

A: Please use the contact form to tell us about it.

q: CAn I be accompanied during my visit?

A: You are welcome to bring a companion with you to your appointment. We can arrange a chaperone if needed, but please specify this when booking.

q: do you have a whistleblowing policy?

For any queries, or to book an appointment, please leave a message using the form below:

You can also call us on 020 7495 6314.

Leave infections at home - please do not attend if you are feeling unwell.

If you need a chaperone or translation please inform us when you book or when you arrive.

We take your data protection very seriously. We collect only the information we need to arrange an appointment for you and the information is discarded after this, unless confirm that appointment. You can ask to see the information we hold about you and to have it deleted if you wish.

Testimonials

We welcome feedback via email or on our google reviews site.

All newer reviews are now via google reviews, but older ones are preserved here. All of these reviews are unsolicited.

Excellent service - quick and efficient micro suction on a blocked ear canal. Hearing restored in seconds. Mary was great - gentle but professional. The office location is very convenient to Bond Street / Oxford Circus tubes. I'd definitely return for other ear issues. Well worth the money.

James Trewin (from Google reviews)- Jul 2017

I can't recommend the clear ear clinic enough. booked in the morning ear unblocked in the afternoon life back to normal. very friendly staff and very professional.thanks

Darren Y - Jul 2017

The best treatment and advice I have ever received. From receptionist to specialist doctor! I have been a client for many years and guarantee there is no better service available anywhere. Harley Street, by far more expensive, eat your heart out!

Angus N - Jun 2017

Excessive ear wax has been the scourge of my adult life. I would go through weeks of using drops whilst struggling to get an appointment for ear-irrigation at my GPs. The result being I suffered hearing loss, pain and discomfort for weeks at a time. Seldom did the irrigation method work first time, meaning more weeks of waiting and misery. Now I know I can make a quick appointment and be ear-wax free in minutes. No drops or waiting necessary. Amazing service, thank you!

Syed H - May 2017

I wanted to contact you to thank you for the great service received by Sarah this afternoon at the clear ear clinic. I was so impressed with how quickly and efficiently she was able to unblock my ear without the hassle of weeks of olive oil or drops. The service was fantastic and it is great to have my hearing back. 

SK - Oct 2016

I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for taking the time to examine my ears earlier today.  It's good to know there isn't a problem.  I greatly appreciated your help.

AC - Aug 2016

Fantastic service this morning! My 17-year-old son's ear became completely blocked with ear wax a couple of days ago. Local surgery fully booked and unable to help us, and minor injuries unit at local hospital also no good - due to go on holiday this Sunday - I didn't know what to do. Found this clinic on the web and decided to take a chance. So incredibly glad I did! We were offered an appointment within a couple of hours, even though it was Saturday. Spotless premises, extremely friendly abnd professional staff. Procedure was quick, clean, painless and 100% effective - so much better than syringing. Son and I both intrigued and repelled by what came out of his ears, and very relieved that it's not still inside him. Family holiday is saved, son reports wonderfully clear hearing and complete aural comfort. Thanks so much!

Judith - Jul 2016

Just had my ear wax removed - its like being born again. No pain no fuss, lovely people and Sally ( the 'remover' ) was charming.. Don't bother with those drops,like putting expanding foam down a blocked drain. Best £80 I ever spent - a huge thanks and just in time as I am flying tomorrow and the ear wax would have made it very uncomfortable.

Stephen L - Jan 2016

As a broadcaster with Classic Fm since it started in 1992, I have had regular problems with excessive wax in my ears which has affected my ability to hear properly.  With the NHS increasingly reluctant to use syringes to alleviate the problem I was delighted to discover the Clear Ear Clinic which uses a completely different method.  Totally safe with no need for messy oils beforehand it was a revelation.   And with the ability to usually get a next day appointment I know that whenever my ears are blocked I can restore my hearing with a minimum of fuss.

Nick Bailey - Nov 2015

I cannot speak too highly of the Clear Ear Clinic from where I have just returned after three weeks of suffering from 90% deafness in one ear, which treatment with drops did not budge. I had tried syringing on two occasions some years ago without success.  A few minutes with the clinic's excellent Mary Kelly, for whom nothing was too much trouble, and I could hear again 100%. She is a gem, as is the clinic

AH - Oct 2014

"I was incredibly impressed with the professional service offered by everyone at Clear Ear Clinic. As soon as I arrived and met friendly faces, I knew I was in safe hands. Although a little apprehensive of the Micro-suction treatment at first, after having it done I couldn't recommend it more! It's accurate, fast and painless - such a relief! Mr Raul Garcia was very understanding and reassuring throughout the whole process too. Mightely impressed. Thank you Clear Ear Clinic!" 

Mr A Potter - Oct 2014

Many thanks to Dr. Raul Garcia for his service on 16th September 2014. The procedure was conducted with the utmost care, skill and professionalism, and I was given illuminating advice regarding a previous ear problem. I couldn't have hoped for a better visit and outcome. My hearing is once again superb, and I left your clinic feeling truly taken care of.

Richard P - Sep 2014

After so many years of suffering with impacted earwax in both ears and with the dreaded thought of having both syringed I stumbled across Micro-suction in a Internet search and decided to give it a go and I can safety say I wish I had had it done years ago! Both Mary and Raul did a great job and I can't recommend enough it was a little uncomfortable in one ear but nothing too bad but other than that it's easy!

DD - Aug 2014

Like many others I had read all the good reviews on your site ... and done a bit of Google homework before visiting you to get an idea of what to expect. I couldn't believe how quick - painless and effective micro suction actually is. You have yourself an impressed customer who will certainly return and recommend your services.

George Johnson - Aug 2014

I walked in at your facility yesterday for ear wax removal. I am very happy with the service I got within a very short space of time and most important the service was very professional (from front desk to consulting room).

Prof M.J. Chimbari - Jul 2014

I had to drop you a quick email of thanks for the superb treatment that completely cured my ear pain and loss of hearing. Microsuction is far superior to the syringing treatments that I have experienced in the past and provides complete and instant relief without the need for administering olive oil for any length of time. I am completely satisfied with the service that you provided and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your surgery to my friends and family.

Nigel Trickey - May 2014

Wow! What can I say about your amazing clinic and the amazing Ms Kelly who treated me today. I was really nervous when I came in from years of unsuccessful wax removal. Her expertise and kind and caring manor put me at ease and within 20 minutes as promised years of not being able to hear properly came to an end. My ears were clear. I really can't thank her enough. I would recommend to anybody having problems don't hesitate and come to The Clear Ear Clinic. Thank you so very much. 

 Ms KD - Aug 2013

Thank you so much for the wonderful service you did on the 19th of August, I [can] hear again in my right ear. It was so worth the money I would recommend to a friend.

 PR - Aug 2013

Brilliant - [T]hank you very much, my ears are both... working properly again and [I] no longer have that feeling of walking underwater.  Very many thanks

Tricia - Aug 2013 

I just want to express my utmost satisfaction with your services. You treated me in May 2013 and I am very grateful for your excellent service. My special thanks to Ms. Mary Kelly who treated me and also to all the staff there. The receptionist was also indeed kind, warm and friendly. Thank you once again! I will definitely recommend all who have ear problems related to your services to go to your clinic. May you continue to prosper!!

Ms Suraya H - May 2013 

You cleared the debris from my ears and restored my hearing. I write to you now in order to express my gratitude on a number of counts: Thanks for listening intently and patiently as I summarised the history of my hearing problems. Thanks for your expertise when it came to removing the accumulated debris in my ears. Thanks for the explanation of the cause of my hearing problem, which was not wax so much as scar tissue. Thanks for the advice with regard to minimising the chance of a recurrence of my problem. Your professional and caring approach put me completely at ease and in your company I felt that I was with someone who was 'on my side'. I will, as you suggest, make an annual visit to the Clear Ear Clinic a permanent fixture in my life

Mr NE - April 2013 

I was despairing of ever hearing "properly" again, my left ear was almost deaf and I found myself struggling to hear what was being said with the right. As a former Radio 1 and 2 Producer my hearing was always something that was so important and that I took for granted. I just didn't feel like going to the GP again for drops and that awful syringing experience!! Then I came across the Clear Ear Clinic website, and after reading of radio man Laurie Taylor's experience I knew this was the solution for me ! I found a very friendly atmosphere in a small clinic just behind Oxford Street, a stone's throw from my old stomping ground at Broadcasting House. Professional expertise put me at ease and after a most unusual, though not painful "hoovering" of both ears I was back on the street within 20 minutes, and I could hear !!!! It was worth every penny, and very reasonably priced. Don't hesitate, I'd forgotten how wonderfully noisy London's West End could be !!!! Thank you so much.

Andy Grahamme-Morris. Ex Radio 1 and 2 Producer. Former Radio Presenter.

When you know you need to get your ears syringed but you just can't be bothered with the hassle of drops or warm olive oil on your pillows, forget about the aural enema and try this. The Clear Ear Clinic offers microsuction that literally Dysons everything - however hard or deep - out of your ears... It's curiously ticklish, but utterly painless, and the staff are perfectly happy to join in your childish chorus of: 'Eeewww! How can that have been in there?' while you examine your waxy secretions.

Tatler magazine - Oct 2012 issue

  "I would like to say thank you to the Clear Ear Clinic. I have had blocked ears numerous times over the years and have had to suffer for days or even weeks when they got blocked waiting to have them syringed. My left ear had been blocked for 2 days and I found the Clear Ear Clinic’s site online and booked an appointment. What a relief that within seconds both ears had been cleared (even the good one had quite a lot of wax in it) and I can now hear clearly again. I highly recommend them and it is well worth the money."

Peter Gettins - Jan 2012

"I had my left ear cleared this morning by a lovely lady who explained everything to me and even let my hubby look into to my ears. Its was such a relief afterwards i really thought i would be deaf forever. I would highly recommend your great clinic and service many many thanks. Oh, and well worth the money which is very reasonable. From a very happy mum."

Mrs TK - Jan 2012

"Right. Always go little hoover thing, never syringe. Much nicer."

Magician/Illusionist/Psychological trickster Derren Brown about microsuction on Twitter

"A miracle! In a rush like a tidal wave, I found that I could hear the sound of the traffic in the square outside the window and even the repetitive gurgle of the water supply in the aquarium on the wall. I could hear again."

Broadcaster Laurie Taylor about the Clear Ear Clinic in The New Humanist

G.D.P.R. 2018 PRIVACY NOTICE

Scope

This document refers to personal data, which is defined as information concerning any living person (a natural person who hereafter will be called the Data Subject) that is not already in the public domain.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which is EU wide and far more extensive than its predecessor the Data Protection Act, along with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), seeks to protect and enhance the rights of EU data subjects. These rights cover the safeguarding of personal data, protection against the unlawful processing of personal data and the unrestricted movement of personal data within the EU and its storage within the EEA.

The Practice

Clear Ear Clinic is based in Flat 3, Lister House, 11-12 Wimpole Street, London. W1G 9ST. For the purposes of this Privacy Notice Clear Ear Clinic will be referred as CEC. We are pleased to provide the following information:

Who we are

CEC provide an aural care and management service using the treatment of microsuction. Microsuction is the safest and most effective method of removing earwax, foreign bodies and treating ear infections of the external canal. The method enlists the use of an operating microscope and a low-pressure suction system to remove all occluding earwax and debris, completely and safely, avoiding the need or use of irrigating or syringing the ear canal. 

Statement of Purpose

Clear Ear Clinic has developed the ‘gold standard’ in aural microsuction through being committed in providing genuine customer care. Commitment to a safe, clean, caring environment where accessible and affordable individual ear care and ear health management is delivered through the advanced clinical practitioners and the technique of aural microsuction.

Our aims and objectives are to encourage patients to view their aural care as a preventative measure.

Personal Data

1. For the purposes of providing treatment, CEC may require detailed medical information. We will only collect what is relevant and necessary for your treatment. When you visit our practice, we will make notes which may include details concerning your medication, treatment and other issues affecting your health. This data is always held securely, is not shared with anyone not involved in your treatment, although for data storage purposes it may be handled by pre-vetted staff who have all signed an integrity and confidentiality agreement

2. To be able to process your personal data it is a condition of any treatment that you give your explicit consent to allow CEC to document and process your personal medical data. Contact details provided by you such as telephone numbers, email addresses, postal addresses may be used to remind you of future appointments and provide reports or other information concerning your treatment where consent is given. As part of our obligations as primary healthcare practitioners there may be circumstances related to your treatment and on-going care that will require the sharing of your medical records with other healthcare practitioners e.g. GPs, consultants, surgeons and/or medical insurance companies. Where this is required we will always inform you first unless we are under a legal obligation to comply.

3. For marketing purposes, CEC may also use the contact details provided by you to respond to your enquiries, including making telephone contact and emailing information to you which the practice believes may be of interest to you, once again only if we have obtained your consent.

4. CEC may occasionally also act on behalf of its patients in the capacity of data processor, when we may promote other practitioners based at our premises, who may not be employed by us. CEC do not broker your data and you can ask to be removed from our database by emailing or phoning the practice using the contact details provided at the end of this Privacy Notice.

5. CEC will only collect the information needed so that we can provide you with the services you require, the business does not sell or broker your data.

Legal basis for processing any personal data

To meet our contractual obligations obtained from explicit Patient Consent and legitimate interest to respond to enquiries concerning the services provided.

Legitimate interests pursued by Clear Ear Clinic

To promote treatments for patients with all aural health problems requiring aural care and management.

Consent

Through agreeing to this privacy notice you are consenting to CEC processing your personal data for the purposes outlined. You can withdraw consent at any time by using the postal, email address or telephone number provided at the end of this Privacy Notice.

Disclosure

CEC will keep your personal information safe and secure. Only staff engaged in providing your treatment will have access to your patient records, although our administration team will have access to your contact details so that they can make appointments and manage your account. CEC will not disclose your personal information unless compelled to, in order to meet legal obligations, regulations or valid governmental requests. CEC may also need to investigate any potential violations to detect, prevent or mitigate fraud or security or technical issues; or to protect against imminent harm to the rights, property or safety of its staff.

Retention Policy

CEC will process personal data during the duration of any treatment and will continue to store only the personal data needed for eight years after the contract has expired to meet any legal obligations. After eight years all personal data will be deleted, unless basic information needs to be retained by us to meet our future obligations to you, such as erasure details. Records concerning minors who have received treatment will be retained until the child has reached the age of 25.

Data storage

All data is stored within the United Kingdom. CEC does not store personal data outside the EEA.

Your rights as a data subject

At any point whilst CEC are in possession of, or processing your personal data, all data subjects have the following rights:

• Right of access – you have the right to request a copy of the information that we hold about you

• Right of rectification – you have a right to correct data that we hold about you that is inaccurate or incomplete

• Right to be forgotten – in certain circumstances you can ask for the data we hold about you to be erased from our records

• Right to restriction of processing – where certain conditions apply you have a right to restrict the processing

• Right of portability – you have the right to have the data we hold about you transferred to another organisation

• Right to object – you have the right to object to certain types of processing such as direct marketing

• Right to object to automated processing, including profiling – you also have the right not to be subject to the legal effects of automated processing or profiling

In the event that CEC refuses your request under rights of access, we will provide you with a reason as to why, which you have the right to legally challenge. At your request CEC can confirm what information it holds about you and how it is processed.

You can request the following information:

• Identity and the contact details of the person or organisation (CEC) that has determined how and why to process your data

• Contact details of the data protection contact, where applicable

• The purpose of the processing as well as the legal basis for processing

• If the processing is based on the legitimate interests of CEC and information about these interests

• The categories of personal data collected, stored and processed

• Recipient(s) or categories of recipients that the data is/will be disclosed to

• How long the data will be stored

• Details of your rights to correct, erasure, restrict or object to such processing

• Information about your right to withdraw consent at any time

• How to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority INFORMATION COMISSION OFFICE (ICO)

• Whether the provision of personal data is a statutory or contractual requirement, or a requirement necessary to enter into a contract, as well as whether you are obliged to provide the personal data and the possible consequences of failing to provide such data

• The source of personal data if it wasn’t collected directly from you

• Any details and information of automated decision making, such as profiling, and any meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and expected consequences of such processing

To access what personal data is held, identification will be required

CEC will accept the following forms of identification (ID) when information on your personal data is requested: a copy of your driving licence, passport, birth certificate and a utility bill not older than three months. A minimum of one piece of photographic ID listed above and a supporting document is required. If CEC is dissatisfied with the quality, further information may be sought before personal data can be released.

All requests should be made to info@clearearclinic.co.uk or by phoning +44 (0) 2074956314 or writing to us at the address below.

Complaints

In the event that you wish to make a complaint about how your personal data is being processed by CEC, you have the right to complain to us. If you do not get a response within 30 days, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The details for each of these contacts are:

Clear Ear Clinic Limited

Cathy Peel (Data Protection Contact)

Flat 3, Lister House

11-12 Wimpole Street

London

Telephone + 44 (0) 207 4956314    Email: cathypeel@clearearclinic.co.uk

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF

Telephone +44 (0) 303 123 1113    Email: https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email/

Please quote Registration No. Z1812248