Gentle & Effective Earwax Removal by Water Irrigation in Bristol
Ear irrigation is a safe, water-based method of removing earwax using controlled, low-pressure warm water. It is a widely used technique and an effective alternative to traditional ear syringing. At Pro Ear Clinic, we provide professional ear irrigation from our clinic at The Hampton Spa (Failand) and through our convenient home visit service across Bristol.
Whether you’re experiencing blocked ears, muffled hearing, or discomfort, ear irrigation can offer quick, effective relief when performed correctly by a trained clinician.
Clinic & Home Visits
Available across Bristol & sorrounding areas
No Water Used
Cleaner & safer option for most patients
The Technique
Water irrigation is a clinical earwax removal technique that uses warm water, delivered at a controlled, low pressure, to gently flush wax out of the ear canal. It is a modern and much safer alternative to the older NHS “ear syringing” method, which used high-pressure jets and is no longer recommended.
At Pro Ear Clinic, we use professional-grade irrigation devices designed specifically for ear care. The warm water circulates around the ear canal, loosening and lifting wax so it can be removed safely and comfortably.
Microsuction is ideal if you have:
We always carry out a full ear examination before starting irrigation to confirm it is safe and suitable for your ears.
Why experts recommend microsuction as the safest choice for your ear health.
Irrigation removes wax quickly when it has softened and spread along the canal.
The controlled low-pressure flush is much safer than older syringing techniques.
Many people find irrigation relaxing and soothing.
Most patients experience immediate improvement in hearing once wax is removed.
Water can help lift softer wax from deeper sections of the canal.
Some patients simply prefer a water-based method.
Both methods are effective, but each patient is different.
Irrigation may be preferred when:
Microsuction is recommended when:
Your clinician will examine your ears using a video otoscope and recommend the safest, most effective method for you. In many cases, we use a combination of both for best results.
Your Apointment
Our professional process ensures your comfort and safety at every step.
We begin with a detailed video-otoscopy so you can see the wax inside your ear canal. This allows us to confirm whether irrigation is suitable and safe.
Warm water is gently introduced into the ear canal using a controlled-pressure device. Most people feel only a light flushing sensation.
If needed, we may alternate with microsuction to remove stubborn areas.
Once the wax is removed, we re-examine your ears to ensure the canal and eardrum are healthy and clear.
We provide guidance to help keep your ears wax-free and reduce future blockages.
Using olive oil or sodium bicarbonate ear drops for 3–4 days beforehand can help soften wax, but they are not always essential for microsuction.
Recommended
3–4 days of olive oil drops for firm or impacted wax.
No drops
You have a known perforation, infection, ear discharge, pain or sensitivity to oil.
If unsure, contact us before your appointment.
Water irrigation is recommended for:
If you’re unsure whether microsuction or irrigation is best, we will examine your ears and recommend the safest and most effective method during your appointment.
This depends on your ears:
We’ll advise based on your individual needs.
Pricing Plans
We offer transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees giving you peace of mind before your appointment.
£85/ flat fee for one or both ears
Ideal for patients who prefer in clinic appointments
IN CLINIC
£95/ flat fee for one or both ears
Ideal for patients who prefer home comfort or have limited mobility.
HOME VISIT
£45/ per visit
If no earwax needs to be removed after examination.
Video Assessment
Choose the most convenient option for you.
Clinic Appointments (The Hampton Spa, Failand)
Perfect if you prefer a calm clinical environment. Free on-site parking and easy access from Clifton, Long Ashton, Bedminster, Redland and surrounding areas.
Home Visit Appointments (Across Bristol)
Convenient and ideal for elderly patients, mobility issues, busy schedules, and families. Same high-quality equipment and care at your home.
We provide microsuction across:
Book your Appointment
We provide professional ear wax removal in the comfort of your own home across the Bristol area.
Appointments are limited, secure your spot online today.
Need care home visits or something else? Visit our services page for more options.
FAQs
Yes. When performed by a trained specialist, water irrigation is a safe and effective medical procedure used to remove softened earwax. We always begin with a thorough ear examination to ensure irrigation is suitable for you. If we detect any issues such as perforation, infection, or inflammation, we will not proceed and will recommend a safer alternative, such as microsuction.
No. Most people find irrigation comfortable. You may feel warm water gently flushing the ear canal and a soft trickling sensation. Some patients experience brief pressure or fullness, but it should never be painful. If you feel discomfort, we adjust the pressure or stop immediately.
A typical water irrigation appointment takes 20–30 minutes, including your ear examination, wax removal, and personalised aftercare advice. The irrigation itself usually lasts only a few minutes per ear.
Yes. For the best results, we recommend using olive oil or almond oil drops for 3–5 days before your appointment. This softens the wax, making it easier and more comfortable to flush out. If you have a perforated eardrum or ongoing infection, do not use drops and let us know beforehand.
Not always. Water irrigation is not suitable for people with perforated eardrums, grommets, mastoid cavities, infections, severe tinnitus, or a history of problematic ear surgery. In these cases, microsuction is usually the safer and preferred option.
Most patients notice an immediate improvement in hearing once the wax is fully removed. Rarely, if the ear canal was irritated or inflamed before treatment, it may take a day or two for hearing to feel completely normal.
You’ll feel warm water gently circulating inside your ear canal. Some patients describe a “shower-like” sensation. You may also hear water sounds more loudly due to the proximity to the eardrum. The feeling is unusual but typically very tolerable.
No. The irrigation system is designed to collect water and wax in a controlled manner. You won’t get wet, and the ear canal is dried afterwards. Any remaining moisture evaporates naturally within a short period.
Complications are rare but can include temporary dizziness, mild discomfort, slight irritation, or in rare cases ear canal infection (otitis externa). We minimise risks through careful pressure control, water temperature checks, and thorough screening before treatment.
Usually very little. We may advise you to keep your ears dry for the rest of the day and avoid inserting cotton buds, ear plugs, or in-ear headphones for 24 hours. If your ear canal was inflamed, we may recommend drops or additional care.
Not always. Extremely hard, dry, or impacted wax may not respond well to irrigation alone. In such cases, we may recommend:
- additional softening drops
- a follow-up irrigation session
- or switching to microsuction, which is more effective for firm, dry wax
Yes, if you do not have any ear conditions that make irrigation unsuitable. Hearing aid wearers often produce wax more quickly, and irrigation can help keep the ears clear. You’ll be asked to remove your hearing aids during treatment and avoid wearing them for a few hours afterwards.
If wax remains after irrigation, we may:
- repeat the procedure
- use manual instruments
- switch to microsuction
- or advise softening drops and a follow-up visit
Our goal is to remove the wax safely, even if it requires a combination of methods.