Ear Wax Removal in Littlehampton
Ear wax removal at Littlehampton Natural Health Centre is carried out by Audiologist Tim Davies. The appointment checks the canal and eardrum first, then uses the method that is safest and most appropriate for that ear: microsuction, irrigation, or manual removal.
Wax removal in Littlehampton includes otoscopy and video otoscopy so you can see what is blocking the ear, treatment only where wax is present and safe to clear, and a check of the canal afterwards. Clearing a plug can ease a blocked or full feeling, stop hearing aids whistling or sounding dull, and make a later hearing test accurate. If examination shows infection, a perforation or other findings that meet BSA referral criteria, treatment is paused, and the appropriate medical referral is arranged instead.
Appointments are at Littlehampton Natural Health Centre for patients in Littlehampton, Rustington, East Preston, Arundel, Angmering, Bognor Regis, Worthing and the wider West Sussex coast.
If your ears feel blocked, hearing has dulled after water or hearing aid use, or you need the canal cleared before a reliable hearing test, book ear wax removal with Tim on 01903 734373 or Book Online. A combined wax removal and hearing assessment is available if you want both in one visit.
Ear Wax Removal
After examining the ears, Tim chooses the safest method for that patient: microsuction, irrigation or manual removal. The aim is a clear view of the ear canal and eardrum, and relief from blockage, without using a one-size-fits-all technique.
Who this may help: people with a blocked or full feeling, reduced hearing after water or hearing aid use, discomfort, or visible wax; hearing aid users whose aids whistle or sound dull because of wax; and patients who need the canal cleared before a reliable hearing test.
History and how the ear feels
A short conversation about blockage, muffled hearing, pain, discharge, dizziness, previous perforations or grommets, ear surgery, infections, and whether you use hearing aids or have been putting oil or cotton buds in the ears.
What it tells us: whether this is likely simple wax, or something that should not be irrigated or probed.
Why it matters: method and safety depend on history as much as on what is seen. A wet, painful, or previously operated ear is treated differently from a dry plug of wax.
Otoscopy
Tim looks into each ear with an otoscope to see the canal, the wax, and the eardrum where it is visible.
What it checks: how much wax there is, whether the drum can be seen, and signs of infection, inflammation, or a perforation.
Why it matters: wax is only removed if it is present and safe to treat. Some findings mean leave the ear alone and refer.
Video otoscopy
The same view on a screen, so you can see the blockage and, later, the cleared canal.
What it checks: the same structures, with a shared picture.
Why it matters: it explains why a particular method is chosen and documents that the drum was checked before and after.
Choosing the method
After examination, Tim selects microsuction, irrigation, or manual removal — or a combination — for that ear, not a single technique for every patient.
What it is: a clinical decision based on wax type, canal shape, eardrum health, and your history.
Why it matters: the safest method for a dry, hard plug is not always the safest method for soft wax, a narrow canal, or an ear that has had surgery.
Microsuction
A fine suction probe is used under direct vision to lift wax from the canal.
What it does: removes wax without flooding the ear with water.
Why it matters: often preferred when the drum cannot be fully seen, when there is a history of perforation, or when a dry, controlled approach is safer. You may hear a loud rushing sound; that is the suction, not damage.
Irrigation
Body-temperature water is used to wash wax out of the canal, only if the eardrum looks intact and history does not suggest a perforation or recent infection.
What it does: loosens and flushes wax that is suitable for a water-based method.
Why it matters: useful for some soft or mixed wax, but it is not used when water in the middle ear would be a risk.
Manual removal
Wax that is visible and reachable is eased out with a blunt loop or similar instrument, again under view.
What it does: lifts pieces of wax that suction or water would not clear cleanly on their own.
Why it matters: avoids pushing wax further in. Cotton buds at home do the opposite; this is done only where the wax can be seen.
Check and aftercare
The canal is looked at again. You should leave knowing whether both ears are clear, whether a little wax was left because it was safer to stop, and simple aftercare (keep the ear dry for a short time if advised; no cotton buds).
What it tells us: the drum is visible, and the blockage has been dealt with, or a follow-up is needed.
Why it matters: the aim is a clear, comfortable ear and a reliable view for any hearing test that follows — not the most aggressive clear possible.
When removal is not done
If there is discharge, severe pain, a known or suspected perforation, recent surgery, or other BSA referral findings, the wax is left, and the appropriate GP or ENT route is arranged.
What it is: knowing when not to treat is part of the service.
Why it matters: forcing wax out of an unsafe ear can cause more harm than a temporary blocked feeling.
Prices
Ear Wax Removal - Full Appointment (30 minutes) - £90 - Book Online
Ear Wax Removal - Short Appointment (20 minutes) - £65 - Book Online
N.B. Full appointments (30 minutes) are suitable for New Patients, or those who have not had a routine clean for some time, or those with new or different presentations. Short appointments (20 minutes) are suitable for existing patients attending routine cleans. If you are unsure which appointment is right for you, please get in touch with our reception team prior to booking (01903 734373). If no ear wax is found on examination, you will only be charged half of the appointment fee.
Audiologist in Littlehampton
Tim Davies is a Hearing Aid Audiologist with more than ten years’ experience across high-street clinics, the NHS and the hearing aid manufacturing sector. He qualified with Distinction from Aston University in 2016.
His career began as a Hearing Care Assistant while he completed his degree. He then spent several years with a leading manufacturer, supporting clinicians in both NHS and private settings and mentoring colleagues. He later founded South Coast Hearing to offer independent, unhurried care — thorough assessment, clear advice and ongoing support without being tied to a single brand.
Tim’s focus is practical: helping people hear more comfortably in the situations that matter to them, and involving them in every recommendation. No two patients need the same approach, so appointments are unhurried and the plan is built around lifestyle, not a standard package.
At Littlehampton Natural Health Centre, he offers comprehensive hearing assessments, ear wax removal, hearing aid advice and fitting, and aftercare. If you want independent, experienced hearing care in Littlehampton, Tim is a good person to see.
Reviews for Tim Davies at South Coast Hearing
A really excellent and professional service. Tim was courteous at all times and clearly explained the procedure and checked on regular intervals that I was ok. The follow up email was really useful with tips on aftercare and maintaining good ear health. Highly recommended. Thank you.J&C Rogers-Burgh
Tim Davies has been a blessing to my husband. His manner is friendly and very professional; he is quick to understand how he can best support his clients' needs, and he provides outstanding aftercare to ensure clients benefit to the full. We couldn't recommend him more highly.D Holt
Tim fitted me in last minute for ear micro-suction and provided a great service. Very professional and helpful. Would definitely use again.J Bassett
My elderly grandfather was struggling to get an appointment with his GP for ear wax removal - something he desperately needed as a hearing aid user. Tim (the audiologist) provided a time that suited him and provided excellent service. He explained everything he was going to do and made my grandfather feel very comfortable. The removal itself took only a few minutes and was expertly carried out. Tim is highly professional and respectful, we won’t go anywhere else for ear care now. Thank you so much!L Jenkins
My husband’s has just received an excellent service from Tim a first class Audiologist from South Coast Hearing and later that evening , notes were received as to how special care should be given to the ears for the next few days to help the healing. WONDERFUL, Angela.A Runacres
Tim was fantastic. I suffer quite badly with anxiety and I knew I needed to get it done. Tim really eased this and went at a pace suited for me. You don’t realise how much you needed it done till it’s done. The best part was I felt totally relaxed. Definitely recommend Tim.J Willock
The audiologist was friendly, professional, and explained everything clearly. The procedure was thorough , completely painless, and I could hear so much better straight away. It was very interesting seeing my results on the video camera too. Having it done at home made it so convenient, highly recommended!G Davies
Tim is very professional, polite and also has a great sense of humour. Overall a very good and convenient experience. Highly recommended!E Keller
Excellent care. Tim was really professional and explained the whole process from start to finish. Thank you!!R Cullip
Not sure whether Tim's Audiology Hearing Services are the right option for you?
If you are unsure whether you need a hearing assessment, wax removal, or hearing aid advice, book a Free Short Assessment. At this appointment, Tim can examine your ears, explain the findings, and discuss suitable options. To book, call the clinic on 01903 734373, or click below to book online.
simply click the link below and check availability.