Wax Removal Terms and Conditions

1. Scope of Service

Ear wax removal may be carried out using microsuction, manual instrumentation, or irrigation, depending on clinical judgement and safety. The clinician will recommend the most appropriate method based on examination findings while taking your preferences into account wherever possible.

2. Clinical Suitability

Treatment will only proceed where it is considered clinically safe.

If ear wax, debris, infection, inflammation or the anatomy of the ear prevents safe removal, the clinician may stop the procedure and recommend alternative management. This may include softening drops, referral to your GP or ENT specialist, or arranging a further appointment.

Where clinically appropriate, one additional follow-up appointment for the same episode of care will be provided at no extra cost.

If wax is present but removal cannot be completed safely, or treatment is stopped for clinical reasons, the standard appointment fee remains payable.

3. Consultation Fee (Including No Wax Found)

The appointment fee applies regardless of whether earwax is found.

Your appointment reserves dedicated clinical time and includes:

• Clinical assessment and otoscopic examination
• Professional advice and clinical judgement
• Hearing screening where clinically appropriate
• Clinical records, documentation and referral letters if required
• Use, maintenance and calibration of specialist equipment
• Infection control procedures, consumables and PPE
• Professional indemnity insurance and regulatory compliance

This reflects the cost of providing a safe, high-quality clinical service rather than solely the removal of ear wax.

Where you have previously received wax removal from Hear Happy Ltd. within the last two months, we may, at our discretion, offer a complimentary review appointment if further wax management is required.

4. Risks and Limitations

Ear wax removal is considered a very low-risk procedure. Every effort is made to minimise risks through appropriate clinical assessment, infection control and safe practice. However, no medical procedure is entirely without risk.

Potential risks include:

• Temporary discomfort, tickling sensations or dizziness
• Minor bleeding or abrasion of the ear canal
• Temporary tinnitus or changes in hearing
• Rare complications including ear infection or perforation of the eardrum

Most clients experience little or no discomfort during treatment.

How We Reduce Risk

To minimise risk we:

• Use sterile or single-use consumables where appropriate
• Maintain irrigation water at body temperature
• Follow strict infection prevention and control procedures
• Explain the procedure before treatment begins
• Work carefully and at an appropriate pace
• Stop immediately if pain, dizziness or safety concerns arise
• Follow British Society of Audiology (BSA) clinical guidance
• Use appropriate magnification and illumination throughout the procedure
• Adapt our technique to your individual anatomy, medical history and comfort

These measures help keep the likelihood of complications extremely low.

5. Pre-Appointment Requirements

Clients agree to:

• Provide accurate information regarding their medical history, including previous ear surgery, perforations, infections and hearing aid use.
• Use wax-softening drops if advised before the appointment.
• Inform the clinician of any pain, sudden hearing loss, discharge, dizziness or new symptoms before treatment begins.

Treatment may not be provided where any of the following are present:

6. Contraindications

Where treatment cannot proceed, appropriate advice or onward referral will be provided.

7. Fees

The standard appointment fee covers assessment and treatment of one or both ears during a single appointment.

Where wax cannot be safely removed because it has not softened sufficiently, one follow-up appointment for the same episode of care will be provided without additional charge. If further appointments are required after this, the standard consultation fee will apply.

Home visits beyond 10 miles from a Hear Happy Ltd. clinic location may incur an additional travel charge.

The consultation fee outlined in Section 3 applies where no wax is present.

8. Aftercare

Appropriate verbal and/or written aftercare advice will be provided.

If symptoms persist, worsen, or you develop significant pain, discharge, bleeding or sudden hearing loss following treatment, you should seek medical advice promptly from your GP or attend urgent medical services where appropriate.

9. Data Protection

Clinical records, otoscopy images and personal information are stored securely and processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

10. Consent

By booking and attending an appointment, you confirm that:

• You understand the nature, benefits and potential risks of ear wax removal.
• You consent to assessment and treatment.
• You agree to these Terms & Conditions.

11. Liability

The clinician will exercise reasonable skill and care in providing treatment.