01 · Before
Wax can obscure the view
A build-up may block the canal and make the eardrum difficult to see clearly.
Ear wax removal & microsuction
Private earwax removal by microsuction at Belsize Priory Pharmacy, NW6. Both ears are examined first, the findings are explained to you, and wax is removed only when it is present and removal is appropriate.
Belsize Priory Pharmacy, Unit 2, 134–143 Belsize Road, London NW6 4BR

Clinically guided careMicrosuction only when wax is present and removal is appropriate
The GPhC number above refers to the host pharmacy premises and can be independently verified on the General Pharmaceutical Council register.
At a glance
North London Ear Care provides private ear examinations and earwax removal by microsuction for adults across North London.
Within walking distance of Kilburn High Road, Kilburn Park and South Hampstead stations.
Clinical information last reviewed
Common symptoms
Earwax can affect hearing, comfort and hearing-aid performance. These are the reasons adults most often arrange an ear assessment.
You keep asking people to repeat themselves, or turn the television up another notch.
That closed, underwater feeling is distracting you at work, at home and everywhere between.
Earbuds feel uncomfortable, or your hearing aid is whistling and no longer sounds quite right.
You have dealt with wax before and recognise the familiar signs of another blockage.
Symptoms can have causes other than wax. Your appointment starts with a visual check, so removal is never assumed.

Clinical microsuction
Microsuction uses a fine suction tube to lift wax out of the ear canal while the canal is viewed directly under magnification. Because no water enters the ear, it is often the preferred option where irrigation is unsuitable.
Before and after
This example shows how earwax can obstruct the view before treatment and how the ear canal may appear afterwards. Every ear is assessed individually.

01 · Before
A build-up may block the canal and make the eardrum difficult to see clearly.
02 · After
Once removal is complete the clinician reassesses the canal and explains it.
Images do not determine treatment. Your symptoms, history and ear examination guide the clinical decision.
What to expect
Your appointment is a clinical decision, not a promise that treatment will be carried out. Each stage is explained, and microsuction only proceeds when it is suitable and you agree.
We start with your symptoms and ear history, then examine both ears to understand what is actually causing the problem.
If wax is present and microsuction is appropriate, it is removed carefully under direct vision, at a pace you are comfortable with.
Your ears are checked again and you leave with practical aftercare advice, or with clear signposting if another service is the right one.
If wax is not causing your symptoms, unnecessary microsuction is not carried out. The clinician explains the proposed treatment, answers your questions, and can pause or stop whenever you ask.
Ready for a clearer answer?Arrange an ear assessment at Belsize Priory Pharmacy, NW6.
Patient feedback
First-hand feedback from patients who chose North London Ear Care for their appointment.
5 out of 5
I had been struggling with blocked ears for weeks and was a little nervous before my appointment. The clinician explained everything clearly, made me feel completely at ease, and the procedure was surprisingly comfortable. My hearing improved instantly. Professional, friendly and very clean clinic. I would not hesitate to recommend North London Ear Care.
5 out of 5
I have had ear wax removed elsewhere before, but this was by far the best experience. The clinician took their time, answered all my questions and never made me feel rushed. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. I will definitely return if I ever need treatment again.
5 out of 5
I had been putting this off for months because I thought it would be uncomfortable, but it was not at all. The whole appointment was smooth, the clinic was spotless and everyone was welcoming. My hearing is so much better now. Thank you!
4.5 out of 5
Very good experience overall. The treatment was excellent and the clinician was professional throughout. The only reason for 4.5 stars is that I would have liked a few more appointment times available.
5 out of 5
Very professional and knowledgeable. The microsuction procedure was quick, painless and explained throughout. I wish I had booked much sooner.
4 out of 5
Great treatment and friendly staff. Lost one star only because the next available appointment was a few days later.
5 out of 5
Excellent service—quick, professional and I could hear the difference immediately.
5 out of 5
Easy booking, friendly staff and a great result. Highly recommended.
5 out of 5
Professional, clean and on time. Could not ask for better.
5 out of 5
Absolutely brilliant service.
Our North London clinic
North London Ear Care runs private ear assessment and microsuction appointments from Belsize Priory Pharmacy on Belsize Road.
Belsize Road · North London
Patients travel to us from Belsize Park, South Hampstead, Kilburn, West Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, St John's Wood, Hampstead, Camden, Brent and the wider North London area.
Clinical information
Practical information based on NHS and NICE guidance, written to help you make an informed next decision.
Earwax guide · 7 min read
Common symptoms, why wax builds up, safe self-care and when an ear assessment helps.
Appointment guide · 8 min read
A walkthrough of preparation, assessment, treatment and practical aftercare.
Treatment comparison · 10 min read
How the two methods work, how they feel, and why suitability varies ear by ear.
Hearing-aid guide · 9 min read
Checks for reduced sound or feedback, and when an examination is worth arranging.
Symptom guide · 10 min read
Possible links, sensible next steps and the signs that need urgent advice.
Safety guide · 5 min read
Which symptoms need assessing urgently rather than waiting for a wax appointment.
Information supports, but does not replace, an individual clinical assessment.
Please do not wait
If hearing loss started suddenly, is worsening over days or weeks, or comes with earache or discharge, ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111. Do not assume it is earwax.
Book online
Choose an appointment at Belsize Priory Pharmacy, Unit 2, 134–143 Belsize Road, London NW6 4BR. You do not need a GP referral.
Good to know
A little certainty makes the whole appointment feel easier. These are the things people most often want to know before booking.
Microsuction is a method of earwax removal that uses a fine suction tube to lift wax and debris out of the ear canal while the clinician views the canal directly under magnification. No water is flushed into the ear, which is why it is often used when irrigation is unsuitable. At North London Ear Care on Belsize Road, both ears are examined first and microsuction only goes ahead when wax is present and removal is clinically appropriate.
No. North London Ear Care is a private service, so you can arrange an ear assessment directly using the current booking or contact options on the website, without a GP referral or a letter and without being registered at a particular GP practice.
It depends where you live. NICE guidance says earwax removal should be available in primary or community care, but NHS commissioning of the service varies between areas in England and many GP practices no longer offer it. It is worth asking your own GP practice or local pharmacy what is available to you before booking privately.
Microsuction is usually quick and well tolerated. The suction sounds loud while it is working, and hard or impacted wax can feel uncomfortable as it is lifted away, but it should not be painful. You can ask the clinician to pause or stop at any point.
Softening the wax beforehand often makes removal quicker and more comfortable, and preparation advice is provided when you book. Do not use drops without asking a healthcare professional first if you have a known or suspected perforated eardrum, have had ear surgery, have grommets fitted, or currently have ear pain or discharge.
Both ears are examined at every North London Ear Care appointment, even when only one ear feels blocked. Comparing the two gives useful context and often finds wax in an ear that has not yet caused symptoms. The clinician explains what is visible in each ear and whether removal is suitable.
No wax means no wax-removal procedure. Not every change in hearing is caused by earwax, so if your ears are clear or removal is not appropriate, the clinician explains what the examination showed and points you towards the right next assessment instead of treating you unnecessarily.
Tell the clinician before the examination if you have a perforated eardrum, grommets, a history of ear surgery, or current pain or discharge, because these change what is safe and appropriate. Microsuction is a dry technique that puts no water into the ear, which is one reason it is often preferred over irrigation where a perforation is known or suspected.
North London Ear Care runs by appointment from Belsize Priory Pharmacy at Unit 2, 134–143 Belsize Road, London NW6 4BR. It is within walking distance of Kilburn High Road, Kilburn Park and South Hampstead stations, and sees patients from across Belsize Park, South Hampstead, Kilburn, West Hampstead, Swiss Cottage and nearby North London areas. The host pharmacy telephone number is 020 3007 0117.
They are different techniques rather than one being universally better. Microsuction removes wax with suction under direct vision and puts no water into the ear; irrigation flushes the canal with a controlled flow of warm water. Microsuction is generally preferred where the eardrum may be perforated, where there has been ear surgery, or where irrigation has not worked before. Suitability is decided ear by ear at the appointment.
Keep the ear canal dry for the rest of the day, avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the ear, and expect sounds to seem sharp for a short while as your hearing adjusts. You leave the appointment with aftercare advice, and with prevention advice tailored to your ears if you get build-up repeatedly.