What your ear health check includes

Full visual examination of both ear canals
Assessment of the ear drum condition
Identification of wax build-up or blockage
Checking for signs of infection or inflammation
Discussion of any symptoms you're experiencing
Honest advice on whether treatment is needed
Referral guidance if we identify anything of concern

About This Service

Know What's Happening Inside Your Ears

Most people only think about their ears when something goes wrong — a sudden blockage, an ache, or muffled hearing. But ear health, like all aspects of health, benefits from a little proactive attention.

An ear health check with Ear Rescue gives you a full, clear picture of what’s going on inside your ears. Using specialist equipment, our experienced practitioner examines the ear canal and eardrum, identifies any wax build-up, and checks for early signs of infection or irritation — all in a single comfortable appointment.

If we find something that needs treating, we can discuss the right approach on the spot. If everything looks healthy, you leave with complete peace of mind. Either way, you’re better informed about your ear health.

An endoscopic ear examination is often performed beforehand to assess your ear health.

Read our article on ear health as we age and how ear health changes over time.

If you wear hearing aids, our guide on hearing aid users and ear wax is particularly relevant.

You may also find our guide to earwax build-up: causes, symptoms and when to seek help useful.

Ear health checks cost just £20 and are available across Boston and the wider Lincolnshire area — including Spalding, Sleaford, Skegness, Holbeach, and Bourne.

£20

Full ear health check consultation

25+

Years of healthcare experience

30–45

Minutes per appointment

100%

Honest, no-pressure advice

What We Look For

A Thorough Check — Not a Quick Look

Ear Canal Examination

Using a specialist otoscope, we examine the full length of the ear canal, looking for wax accumulation, skin irritation, foreign bodies, or any narrowing of the canal that might make you more prone to blockages.

Eardrum Assessment

We check the eardrum for any signs of perforation, scarring, retraction, or fluid behind it. A healthy eardrum is a clear indicator of good overall ear health — and we’ll explain clearly what we see.

Wax Build-Up Assessment

We determine how much wax is present, how impacted it is, and which removal method — if any — is most appropriate. Not all wax needs removing; we only recommend treatment when it’s genuinely needed.

Signs of Infection or Inflammation

Redness, swelling, or discharge in the ear canal can indicate an outer ear infection (otitis externa). We identify these signs early and advise whether you need to see your GP for further treatment.

Symptom Discussion

We take time to listen to what you’ve been experiencing — blocked ears, tinnitus, pain, dizziness, or reduced hearing. Your symptoms help us build a complete picture of your ear health alongside the physical examination.

Clear Advice and Next Steps

At the end of your check, we’ll tell you exactly what we found, what it means, and what — if anything — we recommend doing next. No jargon, no pressure, just honest guidance from an experienced practitioner.

What to Expect

Your Ear Health Check, Step by Step

From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we make sure your appointment is comfortable, informative, and unhurried.

Welcome and symptom discussion

We begin with a friendly conversation about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, how long they’ve been present, and your general ear history. This helps us focus the examination on the right areas.

Physical examination

Using a clinical otoscope, we carefully examine both ear canals and eardrums. The process is completely painless and takes just a few minutes per ear.

Findings explained clearly

We walk you through what we’ve found — whether it’s a simple wax build-up, a healthy ear that needs no treatment, or something that warrants onward referral to a GP or specialist.

Treatment or referral if needed

If wax removal is recommended, we can often carry this out immediately in the same appointment. If we identify a concern outside our scope, we’ll advise clearly on your next steps.

Personalised aftercare advice

Before you leave, we share tailored advice for maintaining good ear health — including whether routine check-ups would be beneficial for you going forward.

Good to Know

Common Questions Before Your Check

Do I need to prepare for an ear health check?

No preparation is necessary in most cases. If you're experiencing a lot of wax, using olive oil drops for a few days beforehand can soften it — but it's not essential for the check itself.

Will I definitely need treatment after my check?

Not necessarily. Many patients have a check and find their ears are perfectly healthy. If no wax removal is needed, only the £20 consultation fee applies — we'll never recommend treatment you don't need.

How often should I have an ear health check?

For most people, once a year is sufficient. Those who produce more wax, wear hearing aids, or use in-ear headphones regularly may benefit from checking every six months.

Can children have ear health checks?

Yes. We welcome patients of all ages. If you're booking for a child, please let us know in advance so we can ensure the appointment is as comfortable and reassuring as possible.

Signs You Should Book

When Is an Ear Health Check a Good Idea?

You don't need to be in significant discomfort to benefit from an ear health check. Any of the following are good reasons to book an appointment.

Muffled or reduced hearing Blocked ear feeling Ringing or tinnitus Earache or discomfort Dizziness or imbalance Visible wax in the ear Itching or irritation Routine annual check

If you experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain, or discharge from the ear, please see your GP promptly. We’re happy to advise on whether your symptoms need urgent attention — just give us a call.

FAQs

Ear Health Check FAQs

Not quite — a health check is a thorough examination to assess what’s happening in your ears. If wax removal turns out to be needed, we can discuss carrying that out in the same visit. Some patients book a check first to confirm what’s needed before committing to treatment.

Yes. GP appointments are often brief, and ears can be difficult to examine without specialist equipment. Our dedicated examination gives a much more detailed view of what’s happening inside the ear canal and at the eardrum.

No. A standard ear health check using an otoscope is completely painless. We work carefully and gently, and you can let us know at any point if anything feels uncomfortable.

If we identify something outside our scope — such as a suspected ear infection, perforated eardrum, or other concern — we’ll explain clearly what we’ve found and recommend the appropriate next step, which may be seeing your GP or an ENT specialist.

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