- Open 7 Days a Week
- +44 1206 322109
- Dedham Pharmacy, High Street, Dedham
At Dedham Pharmacy, we offer safe, effective earwax removal using microsuction. No water, no mess, and no long waits.
Same-Day Appointments
Walk-Ins Welcome
Qualified Pharmacist
Serving Essex & Colchester
Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
Most people do not know they have a blockage until it becomes uncomfortable. Earwax is normal, but when it builds up, it causes real problems.
Watch out for these signs:
If you are experiencing any of these, earwax removal is a quick fix. Most treatments are done in a single visit.
Some symptoms are not wax and need medical attention rather than a removal appointment.
Hearing loss that came on suddenly, over three days or less. This needs assessing within 24 hours; contact your GP for an urgent appointment or go to A&E. Do not wait to see whether it settles.
Hearing loss or ringing in one ear only, or a sound that pulses with your heartbeat.
Discharge from the ear, or ear pain with a fever.
Facial weakness, drooping or numbness on one side. Call 999.
Dizziness or balance problems that came on with the hearing change.
We would rather turn you away and point you to the right place than take your money for the wrong appointment.
Our pricing is straightforward. No hidden charges.
Clinical ear assessment
Microsuction treatment (one ear)
Aftercare advice
Clinical ear assessment
Microsuction treatment (one ear)
Aftercare advice
Compared to waiting weeks on an NHS referral, private ear wax removal in Colchester at Dedham Pharmacy is fast and affordable.
Call us on 01206 322109 or use our online booking form. We offer same-day slots and walk-in availability, so you are rarely waiting long.
Our pharmacist checks both ears to assess the level of blockage. This takes just a few minutes. You will be told exactly what we find and what the plan is.
If wax is present, we remove it using microsuction. The procedure is gentle and usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. You leave with clearer hearing and no aftercare fuss.
Microsuction uses a small, low-pressure suction device to draw wax directly out of the ear canal. There is no water involved, which makes it safer and more comfortable than older methods.
Our pharmacist uses a binocular microscope or medical-grade loupes to see clearly inside the ear at all times. This precision is what separates microsuction from traditional ear syringing.
The procedure is dry, controlled, and performed by a trained professional. Most patients describe it as feeling a light tickle rather than anything painful.
Microsuction is very safe, but like any medical procedure, mild side effects can occur. These are usually temporary.
Slight dizziness or vertigo during or just after the procedure
Mild ringing (tinnitus) that fades within a few hours
A little tenderness around the ear canal immediately after
Transient tinnitus or hearing changes from the suction noise itself.
Serious risks such as perforation, ossicular damage, or infection are rare but possible. These risks are minimised when the treatment is carried out by a qualified professional.
Once the wax is cleared, patients consistently notice the difference straight away. Here is what typically improves:
Wax build-up happens at any age. Elderly patients are especially prone, as earwax becomes drier and less likely to clear naturally over time.
Hearing aids trap wax inside the ear canal. Regular professional cleaning helps them work properly and prevents recurring blockages.
Water in the ear softens wax and pushes it deeper into the canal. If you swim regularly, a seasonal check-up is a smart habit.
Daily use of in-ear headphones or earbuds blocks the ear canal’s natural self-cleaning process. Wax accumulates faster and can become compacted over time.
Some people are simply built that way. A narrow or irregularly shaped canal makes it harder for wax to work its way out naturally, leading to more frequent blockages.
Drops soften wax but do not always clear it. If you have been using olive oil or over-the-counter drops with no real improvement, professional microsuction is the next step.
There is no single answer. Some people produce more wax than others and need removal every three to six months. Others only need it once a year, or less.
If your hearing seems muffled, or you notice any of the symptoms listed above, that is a good sign it is time for a visit. Do not wait until it becomes painful.
Our pharmacist will advise you at the end of your appointment on how often to return based on what they observe.
Treatment is carried out by a GPhC-registered pharmacist with specialist training in microsuction. Not a technician, not a nurse. A pharmacist.
We use medical-grade suction devices and loupes, giving us a clear, close view of the ear canal throughout the procedure.
Microsuction is completely dry. There is no soaking, no syringing, and no risk of water sitting in your ear after the visit.
Booking on the day is possible. You do not need to wait weeks to sort a problem that affects your daily life.
What you see above is what you pay. If no wax is found, the consultation fee is £25. No surprises.
Mandeep Sandhu is the superintendent pharmacist and owner of Dedham Pharmacy, registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council under registration number 2064849.
With over a decade of experience in community pharmacy practice, Mandeep leads the clinical services at Dedham including the travel health clinic, weight management programme, and private consultation services.
Great having a pharmacy that is open late and during weekends. Quick and efficient, great service.
I see they were also offering a flu jab service, if that’s something you need.
Great having a pharmacy that is open late and during weekends. Quick and efficient, great service.
I see they were also offering a flu jab service, if that’s something you need.
Great having a pharmacy that is open late and during weekends. Quick and efficient, great service.
I see they were also offering a flu jab service, if that’s something you need.
Skip the queue and manage your repeats online through our secure patient portal.
No. Most patients feel little more than mild pressure or a tickling sensation. The procedure is well-tolerated by the vast majority of people who visit our clinic.
It helps, but it is not always required. Using olive oil drops for a few days before your visit can soften the wax and make removal easier. Ask us when you book.
Yes, in most cases. A brief episode of mild dizziness can occasionally occur, but it passes quickly. If you feel unwell after the treatment, we will advise you before you leave.
This depends on what surgery you had. Please mention any previous ear operations or perforated eardrum history when booking, so our pharmacist can assess before proceeding.
The full appointment, from assessment to treatment, typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Straightforward cases can be quicker.
