Frequently Asked Questions

Micro suction is a dry method of earwax removal. A trained clinician uses a small suction device under direct visualisation to carefully remove wax from the ear canal. No water or irrigation is used, and your ears are checked before treatment begins.

Micro suction is generally comfortable and well tolerated. Some patients may experience a mild sensation of pressure or a slight noise from the suction device, but it should not be painful. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, please let your audiologist know immediately.

If you can safely use drops, we recommend applying olive oil or EAROL twice daily for 3–5 days before your appointment. This can soften the wax and make removal easier. If you have pain, discharge, recent ear surgery, a known perforated eardrum, or have been advised not to use drops, please contact us first.

A typical micro suction appointment takes around 20–30 minutes. This includes an initial examination of both ears and removal of wax where necessary. Some appointments may be shorter if only one ear requires treatment.

Most people do not require regular earwax removal. However, some individuals produce excess wax due to the shape of their ear canal, hearing aid use, or regular use of earphones. If you experience recurring blockages, we recommend a check-up every 6–12 months.

We can assess and treat older children and teenagers. Please contact us in advance to discuss your child's age and symptoms so we can advise on the most appropriate course of action.

You can book micro suction at our Morden, Pimlico and Thamesmead clinics, subject to availability. We now have dedicated local information pages for micro suction in Morden, micro suction in Pimlico and micro suction in Thamesmead.

The Blocked Ear Checker is a short interactive guide on our website. It asks about symptoms such as blocked ears, muffled hearing, pain, discharge, dizziness, sudden hearing changes, ear surgery history and use of drops, then suggests the safest next step.

No. It is general guidance only and is not a diagnosis. It helps you decide whether micro suction, an ear health check, a phone call or medical advice may be the right next step.

Please call us or seek medical advice first if you have sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, bleeding, discharge, fever, significant pain, recent ear surgery, or a known perforated eardrum. These symptoms should not be treated as simple wax without advice.

If you are unsure, use the Blocked Ear Checker or book an ear health check. We can inspect your ears and advise whether wax removal, a hearing test, GP advice or simple reassurance is most appropriate.

Yes. Our online hearing screener plays tones through your headphones and asks you to respond when you hear them. It is a guide only and is not a calibrated clinical hearing test, but it can help you decide whether to book a full assessment.

No. An online screener cannot diagnose conductive or sensorineural hearing loss because it is not calibrated and does not include otoscopy, air and bone conduction testing, masking or tympanometry. A full clinical hearing test is needed for accurate interpretation.

A full hearing assessment at Comforts Hearing includes a case history discussion, visual inspection of the ear canals (otoscopy), and a series of tone and speech tests carried out in a quiet environment. Results are presented on an audiogram which shows your hearing levels across different frequencies.

A comprehensive hearing test appointment takes approximately 45–60 minutes. This allows time for a thorough consultation, testing, and discussion of your results and any recommended next steps.

We recommend a baseline hearing test in your 40s even if you have no concerns, and then every decade thereafter. If you notice any changes in your hearing, tinnitus, or difficulty following conversations, you should book a test promptly regardless of your age.

You can self-refer directly to Comforts Hearing without a GP referral. Simply book online or call us to arrange an appointment at a time and location that suits you.

We work with Starkey and Phonak. Our audiologists will recommend the most suitable device based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.

Following your hearing assessment, our audiologist will discuss your lifestyle, listening environments, and preferences. We will then recommend a selection of devices that suit your degree of hearing loss and daily needs, allowing you to trial options before committing.

Yes. We offer a trial period so you can experience how hearing aids perform in your everyday environment. We encourage you to wear the devices in a range of real-world situations before making a final decision.

We provide ongoing aftercare including free fine-tuning appointments, cleaning and maintenance, and regular follow-up checks. Our team is available to answer questions and make adjustments as your hearing needs change over time.

NHS hearing aids are available via audiology referral from your GP. At Comforts Hearing we offer private hearing aids with a wider range of styles, technologies, and features than those typically available through the NHS, along with a more personalised service and shorter waiting times.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears or in the head when no external sound is present. It is often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling. Tinnitus is common and affects approximately 1 in 8 people in the UK.

There is currently no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are highly effective management strategies. These include sound therapy, hearing aids (if hearing loss is present), tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), and lifestyle adjustments. Many people find their tinnitus becomes far less intrusive with the right support.

If your tinnitus started suddenly, affects only one ear, or is accompanied by dizziness or hearing loss, we recommend consulting your GP first to rule out any underlying medical causes. For most cases, you are welcome to book directly with us.

Yes. Comforts Hearing is fully insured, and clinical hearing care is provided by an HCPC registered professional. If your symptoms need medical review, we will advise you on the most appropriate next step.

We operate from three locations: Comforts Hearing — Morden at 65 Seymour Avenue, Morden, SM4 4RF; The Marven Clinic — Pimlico at 46-50 Lupus Street, Pimlico, London, SW1V 3EB; and First Care Pharmacy — Thames Reach at Unit 6, The Reach, Thamesmead, London, SE28 0NY. Please select your preferred location when booking online.

We are open Wednesday to Saturday, 9am–6pm. Appointments outside these hours may be available on request — please contact us directly to discuss.

You can book online via our Book Online page, which guides you through selecting a service, location, date, and time. You can also call us on 07916 708 703, send us a message via the Contact Us page, use the Blocked Ear Checker, or ask the Comforts Care Team assistant for help choosing the right service.

We ask that you give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a cancellation fee. Where we hold an email address for your booking, you will also receive confirmation if your appointment has been cancelled or rescheduled.

Home visits may be available for patients who are unable to travel to one of our clinics. Please contact us directly to discuss your circumstances and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Micro suction earwax removal is currently £45 for one ear and £80 for two ears. Your clinician will check your ears before treatment and will only continue where wax removal is suitable.

An ear health check is currently £30. This can be a useful option if you are not sure whether your symptoms are caused by wax, hearing loss, infection or another concern.

Many private health insurance policies cover hearing assessments and hearing aids. We recommend contacting your insurer in advance to confirm your level of cover. We can provide itemised invoices and receipts to support any insurance claim.

Yes, we can discuss flexible payment options for hearing aid purchases. Please speak with our team at your consultation and we will outline the options available to you.