The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that ear syringing to remove ear wax is no longer advised as a treatment through the NHS in England.
The confirmation comes after cash plan providers told Health & Protection in May that they were considering adding coverage for the treatment to meet demand after the NHS stopped providing the service.
The restriction could prompt demand for private treatment to grow, however health minister Edward Argar said there were good medical reasons for the decision.
“NHS England and NHS Improvement recognise manual ear syringing is no longer advised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence due to risks associated, such as trauma to their ear drum or infection,” he said responding to a written question.
“General practitioner practices are increasingly recommending self-care methods as the primary means to support the safe removal of ear wax.
“However, if a GP practice considers removal clinically necessary, the procedure should either be undertaken at the practice or the patient should be referred to an appropriate service depending on the arrangements in place in the local area, including for pensioners and those on low incomes.
“Local commissioners are responsible for meeting the health needs of their local population and should continue to ensure there is appropriate access to ear wax services,” he added.
