Ear Care at Lindsay & Gilmour
Struggling with
Blocked or Muffled Ears?
Professional ear wax removal by our trained pharmacy team, using microsuction or irrigation. No GP referral needed — just book and come in.
Available at selected Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacies across Scotland
What is Ear Wax Removal?
Ear wax is a natural substance that protects and cleans the ear canal. Usually it falls out on its own, but sometimes it builds up and blocks the ear. This can cause muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, ringing in the ears or dizziness.
Our pharmacy team uses the TympaHealth system — a clinically validated, AI-powered ear care device — to examine your ears and remove the wax using microsuction or irrigation, depending on what suits you best.
Who is this service for?
- Anyone whose hearing feels muffled or whose ears feel blocked
- People with ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) or dizziness
- Hearing aid wearers — wax can make hearing aids whistle or work less well
- Anyone who has used ear drops for a few days and still has symptoms
- People with a history of ear wax build-up
- Anyone advised by their GP to have ear wax removed
Before your appointment
Use olive oil ear drops for 5–7 days before your appointment to soften the wax. This makes removal quicker and more comfortable. Drops are available at the pharmacy counter.
Don't use drops if you have, or think you have, a perforated eardrum.
Your appointment takes around [APPOINTMENT-LENGTH].
Tell us if you have
- A perforated eardrum, or grommets
- Had ear surgery
- An ear infection or discharge from your ear recently
- Hearing in one ear only
Your pharmacist will check which removal method is suitable for you.
Why Ear Wax Build-up Matters
Ear wax build-up is common. An estimated 2.3 million people in the UK need professional ear wax removal every year.
Hearing Loss
Wax blocking the ear canal is a common cause of temporary hearing loss, making conversations harder to follow.
Tinnitus
Ringing, buzzing or humming in the ear can be caused or made worse by a blockage. Clearing the wax can help ease it.
Blocked Ears or Earache
A plugged or full feeling in the ear, or earache, is a common sign that wax has built up.
Dizziness
In some people, ear wax build-up can cause vertigo — feeling dizzy or as if everything around you is spinning.
Don't use your fingers or cotton buds to remove ear wax — they can push it further in. There's no evidence that ear candles or ear vacuums work.
Source: NHS
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Your appointment takes around [APPOINTMENT-LENGTH]. Here's what to expect.
A Few Quick Questions
A trained member of staff will ask about your ear, hearing and medical history to make sure wax removal is suitable for you.
Ear Examination
Using the TympaHealth system, A trained member of staff will examine both ears with a high-definition digital otoscope. This gives a clear, magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum, and the image can be shown to you on a screen.
Wax Removal
Depending on the type and position of the wax, A trained member of staff will use either microsuction (a gentle suction) or irrigation (a flow of warm water) to clear the ear canal. Both methods are quick and generally well tolerated.
Post-Removal Check
Your ears are examined again to confirm the wax has been cleared and that the ear canal and eardrum look healthy. A trained member of staff will explain what they found.
What Happens Next?
Many people notice their hearing improves straight after removal. Here's what we do if more support is needed.
If Wax Remains
If the wax is too hard to remove in one session, A trained member of staff will advise you to keep using softening drops and come back for a follow-up appointment.
If Something Else Is Found
If the examination shows anything other than wax — such as signs of infection or a perforated eardrum — we'll advise you to see your GP or an appropriate specialist.
Ongoing Ear Care
We can advise on how to manage ear wax in future, including using ear drops and when to book again — especially if you wear hearing aids.
Why Choose Lindsay & Gilmour?
Recognised at the Pharmacy Business Awards for excellence in community pharmacy
Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacies — your local healthcare professionals
Family-run and independent, making us one of Scotland’s oldest pharmacy groups
About TympaHealth
TympaHealth is the UK's only AI-powered comprehensive ear and hearing health solution. It combines high-definition ear imaging, hearing screening and clinical decision support in a single handheld device.
The technology is used by NHS practitioners, private audiologists and pharmacy teams across the UK, and is now available at your local Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacy.
Clinically validated · MHRA registered · Used by NHS and private practitioners
Book Your Ear Wax Removal
Book your ear wax removal appointment at your local Lindsay & Gilmour pharmacy. No GP referral needed.
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