Quick answer: Hearology Liverpool Street, at 46 New Broad Street (EC2M 1JH), is about two minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station. It offers microsuction ear wax removal under a surgical microscope in 15-minute appointments, Monday to Friday, with same-day slots and a free follow-up within two weeks.
If one ear has felt muffled since the weekend and you’ve caught yourself tilting your head in meetings to hear properly, you’re in good company. Blocked ears are one of the most common reasons City workers go looking for microsuction ear wax removal, and the treatment is quick enough to fit into a lunch break. For anyone working around Broadgate, Moorgate or Bishopsgate, one of the closest specialist clinics is Hearology Liverpool Street.
This guide covers why ears block up, what microsuction actually involves, what it costs, and how to get to the clinic from the stations most commuters use.
Why do so many people around Liverpool Street end up with blocked ears?
Ear wax isn’t dirt. It’s the ear’s own cleaning system, trapping dust and slowly working its way out of the canal on its own. Problems start when something gets in the way of that process.
For office workers, the usual suspects are easy to spot. Earbuds worn for the whole commute and then through back-to-back video calls. Cotton buds used “just to tidy up” after a shower. Hearing aids that sit in the canal all day. Each of these can nudge wax back towards the eardrum, where it packs down and stops moving.
The symptoms tend to creep up on you. A slight dullness on one side. Pressure, like you’ve just landed on a flight. Sometimes a faint ringing or an itch you can’t reach. Then one morning, often after a shower or a swim, the ear blocks completely.
It also helps to know that many GP surgeries in England no longer offer routine ear wax removal. That’s why so many people now look for a private clinic close to where they work rather than where they live.
What actually happens during microsuction?
Microsuction removes wax with a very fine, gentle suction tube while the clinician looks directly into the ear canal. The important part is the “micro”. At Hearology, every procedure is carried out under a surgical binocular microscope, which gives a magnified, three-dimensional view of the canal and the eardrum. That depth of vision is what lets the clinician work precisely and safely.
Some providers use head-mounted magnifiers or a small camera instead. The clinic’s own view on this is blunt: if there’s no microscope, it isn’t really microsuction.
Most people describe the feeling as a light tickle or tug, with a whooshing sound while the suction runs. No water is used, unlike old-style syringing. Once the wax is out, everyday sounds can seem oddly loud for a little while. That’s normal, and it settles as your hearing readjusts.
How long does it take, and can I go straight back to work?
Appointments at the Liverpool Street clinic are booked as 15-minute slots. The removal itself can take anything from five minutes to the full slot, depending on how much wax there is and how hard it has become.
You can walk straight back to the office afterwards. There’s no recovery time and nothing to avoid for the rest of the day, although it’s sensible to keep the ear dry for a day or two if it feels a little irritated.
If the wax is especially stubborn and can’t be fully cleared in one go, a free follow-up within two weeks is included.
How much does microsuction cost in the City?
Prices around EC2 vary quite a lot, and some clinics quote per ear. At Hearology, microsuction is priced at £89 and covers both ears, whether one or both need treatment. It’s worth checking the current Liverpool Street clinic prices before you book, as fees can change.
One detail that’s easy to miss when comparing clinics: if the clinician looks in and finds no wax at all, the appointment turns into an Ear Health Consultation at the same price. You leave with an explanation for why the ear feels blocked, rather than being sent away with a partial refund and no answers.
What should I look for in a microsuction clinic?
Ear wax removal isn’t tightly regulated in the UK, so standards vary. A few things are worth checking before you book anywhere:
- A proper microscope, not only loupes or a handheld camera.
- Registered clinicians, such as audiologists registered with the HCPC or RCCP, or ENT nurses registered with the NMC.
- Independent regulation. Hearology’s ear care services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is still unusual in this field.
- A clear policy on follow-ups and on what happens if there’s no wax.
- Reviews that describe the treatment, not just the waiting room.
How do I get to Hearology Liverpool Street?
The clinic sits at 46 New Broad Street, EC2M 1JH, just west of Liverpool Street station. Rough walking times:
- Liverpool Street station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Elizabeth lines, plus National Rail): about 2 minutes.
- Broadgate and Finsbury Circus: under 5 minutes.
- Moorgate: around 5–7 minutes along London Wall.
- Bank: around 8–10 minutes up Old Broad Street.
The clinic is wheelchair accessible and fully air-conditioned, which you’ll appreciate on a warm afternoon.
What do patients say about the Liverpool Street clinic?
Reviews are one of the most useful ways to judge a clinic before you walk in. Patients at the Liverpool Street clinic tend to mention the same few things: how quickly the appointment was over, how calm the clinician was, and how clean the room felt. Several describe booking a same-day slot online at their nearest clinic and being back at work within the hour. When you read reviews for any ear clinic, look for ones that describe the treatment itself rather than only the welcome at reception.
When shouldn’t you wait for a wax appointment?
Wax is the most likely reason for a blocked ear, but it isn’t the only one. If you notice sudden hearing loss in one ear, severe pain, discharge, a high temperature, or dizziness that won’t settle, contact NHS 111 or your GP the same day. Sudden hearing loss in particular needs checking urgently.
Frequently asked questions
Does microsuction hurt?
For most people, no. It usually feels like a gentle tickle with a suction noise. If your ear is already sore or inflamed, tell the clinician so they can take extra care.
Do I need olive oil drops before my appointment?
Not usually. A few days of drops can help if wax is very hard, but they aren’t essential for microsuction. If you’re unsure, ask when you book.
Can children have microsuction?
Hearology treats children aged three and over, without anaesthetic, using a gentle, child-friendly approach. Mention your child’s age when you book.
How often should I have my ears cleaned?
Only when you need it. Many people never need professional removal, while hearing aid users and people with narrow ear canals may need it every six to twelve months.
Book your appointment
If your ears have been bothering you for more than a few days, there’s no need to put up with it until the weekend. You can book a microsuction appointment at Liverpool Street online, often on the same day, and be back at your desk within the hour.
