07 June 2024

Patients need access to NHS-funded earwax services

The NCHA is calling for the NHS to fund earwax removal in primary care audiology, offering the service in primary and community care settings as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

RNID research shows that 2.3 million people in the UK require earwax removal every two years. A survey of people who experienced wax build-up found that two-thirds had been told that earwax removal was no longer available on the NHS.

GPs and hospital ENT departments can no longer meet demand, leaving those who cannot afford to pay with untreated impacted wax. This is often accompanied by hearing loss, which can negatively affect relationships, social interaction and mental health.

The NCHA calls for the NHS to offer eligible patients access to dewaxing services out of hospital and closer to home for the public benefit.