How long should I wait before getting it checked?
Don't wait if your hearing changes suddenly, keeps getting worse, or you have earache or discharge. Get urgent advice the same day from your GP or NHS 111.
Otherwise, if your hearing hasn't come back after earwax removal, see an ear care specialist. If we removed your wax, contact us for your free follow-up check.
How do I know if I have hearing loss?
If you're still struggling to hear after ear wax removal, these questions can help you decide whether to have a hearing test.
Do people seem to be mumbling?
Do you strain to hear when someone talks or whispers?
Do you have difficulties hearing someone talking from another room or standing behind you?
Do you need to watch a person's lips more closely to follow the conversation?
Do you find it hard to keep up in meetings, restaurants or lectures?
Do you have to turn up the volume on the TV or radio?
Do you find it hard to hear clearly on the telephone?
Do you tend to limit your social activities because it can be difficult to hear and communicate?
Do family, friends or colleagues often have to repeat themselves?
If you answered 'yes' to some of these, you may have some hearing loss. A hearing test is the way to find out.
What should I do next?
Book a hearing test. It can show whether there's an underlying hearing loss and explain why you might still be struggling after earwax removal. Some people like to start with a basic online hearing test before booking a full assessment.
If the test shows you would benefit from hearing aids, you can try them in your everyday life first with our 14-day free hearing aid trial, with no obligation to buy.
If you already wear hearing aids and they don't seem to be working as well as they should, book an appointment with your audiologist. They can reassess your hearing, adjust your hearing aids or arrange a repair.
Why it's worth acting early
It can be hard to accept that your hearing has changed, but dealing with it early has real benefits, including:
Improved communication and understanding of speech
Reduced fatigue and stress from straining to hear
Enhanced enjoyment of music, movies and social activities
Better overall wellbeing, with less isolation and depression
Hearing loss in mid-life is also linked to a higher risk of dementia, although it isn't yet clear whether hearing aids can prevent it (Alzheimer's Society).
Why see an Interhearing ear care specialist?
We use microsuction, a precise, water-free method, carried out while the clinician looks into your ear under magnification.
No GP referral needed. We can usually see you within 3 days, and offer same-day appointments where possible.
Wax removal costs from £65 for both ears. If we can't clear it all at the first visit, follow-ups are free (book within 4 weeks).
We're independent and family-run, with over 19,000 patients and clinics in Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, Church Stretton, Oswestry, Chester, Powys, Warrington and Reading.
Our audiologists also offer hearing tests and a 14-day free hearing aid trial, so you can sort out wax and hearing in one place.
What our patients say
★★★★★ “…managed to fit me in the next day as I had got a problem. Seen exactly on time by Judy, who is highly professional and knowledgeable… Took her advice and subsequently contacted my GP practice who have provided topical treatment for a slight ear infection.” David, Shrewsbury
★★★★★ “Easy to book an appointment and procedure took place at the appointed time, which was painless and carried out quickly. I noticed an improvement in my hearing immediately afterwards.” Danny, Reading
★★★★★ “Having my dad's ears done here really improved his hearing after years of having them syringed.” Mrs S, Wolverhampton
Book ear wax removal online or call 0800 002 9503 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm).
In short
If you still can't hear properly after earwax removal, the cause is usually a hearing loss the wax was hiding, a hearing aid that needs attention, a little wax left behind, or an ear infection. Get urgent advice if the change is sudden or comes with pain or discharge. Otherwise, book a hearing test to find out what's going on.
