It is a question that we are asked on a daily basis…… Why is ear wax removal no free on the NHS? For decades it was a service performed by hundreds of GP practices around the UK. Until one day …….. it is now no longer free. But why?

Reasons patients are told ear wax removal provided on the NHS

Patients are told multiple reasons

• Syringing will burst the ear drum
• GPs do not have time
• Covid has caused us to stop providing the service

However, the main reason, it was no longer classified as an essential service by the government. It is now considered a specialist service. The only way that GPs can offer this service is if the build-up of earwax causes hearing loss. If that is the case, the GP can offer ear syringing through “audiology services”.

Therefore, alternative private ear wax removal services need to be considered. We advise when choosing your provider to ensure they are fully qualified, regulated and insured. Also check that the procedure will be performed within a clean, clinical professional environment.

Will the service be free again on the NHS?

The Royal National Institute for the Deaf RNID are challenging the policies and laws in parliament to be reinstated.

People are now being advised to manage their own ear wax build-up and seek ear wax removal from private providers. However, advice on self-management is inconsistent and sometimes dangerous, and the cost of private removal can make it unaffordable. 

This contradicts the (NICE) guidance, which states that ear wax removal should be offered:  “For adults in primary care or community ear care services if the ear wax is contributing to hearing loss or other symptoms”

There are several reasons why this service might have been stopped in GP practices. Evidence shows that the ‘syringing’ method of ear wax removal, which was once commonly used across the NHS, is unsafe and should no longer be used. However, there are other safe removal methods that can, and should, be used in GP practices, including electronic irrigation and microsuction. 

GPs are not incentivised to offer these services through their contracts, and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs – the organisations that arrange NHS services locally in England) are not routinely providing funding for the service to be delivered in other settings across the NHS. 

The disruption to face-to-face services due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused long waiting lists in some areas and services deemed not-essential were paused in some parts of the country. But we are seeing little evidence that the provision of wax removal services is returning to normal.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54296737