Clinics are available in Bicton, Shrewsbury AND Welshpool
To schedule an appointment with Mark Challiner PhD, Audiologist, either at the clinic or in your home
I'll get back to you ASAP or phone 07411 223357
£60 FLAT FEE- SAME DAY APPTs OFTEN ON CLINIC DAYS
Experienced Audiology Professional
Mark Challiner, PhD, MSHAA, is an accredited Healthcare Professional specialising in Audiology with over 17 years of experience. Holding a PhD from the Department of Medicine at Liverpool University and a Certificate in Earwax Microsuction from Aston University, Mark is a Qualified Hearing Aid Audiologist. He is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA) and Tinnitus UK. Clinic or home visit appointments for earwax removal are available in Shrewsbury and Welshpool. Appointments must be booked in advance. It is advised to use olive oil to soften earwax prior to your appointment and to avoid using cotton buds, as they may compact the earwax against the eardrum, making removal more challenging.
Card payments are accepted. The charge is £60 for one or both ears for earwax removal, with a consultation-only option available for £25.
"Mark has been amazing. Replied to my enquiry promptly, arrived early, was very patient and efficient"
5 star review from Julie Bridges
The earwax removal clinic in Shrewsbury is conveniently situated at The Happy Feet Clinic, Holyhead Road, Bicton, Shrewsbury SY3 8EQ. Clinic appointments are available on Wednesdays during the day and on Thursdays in the late afternoon to early evening. Approaching from Shrewsbury, the clinic is just within the 30mph speed limit on the right side as you enter Bicton. Clients are requested to park parallel to the house in our car park, and you will be called in as soon as possible. Please note that visits are by appointment only, with same-day bookings frequently available on clinic operating days. To book an appointment in Bicton, Shrewsbury please click the 'contact me' button, or call or text 07411 223357. The fee is £60 for treatment of one or both ears. "After phoning around a few places thinking I was going to have to wait days, Mark was able to see me the same day. Instant relief and my hearing returned to normal. Great friendly service." Five star review from Ed Lewis
The earwax removal clinic in Welshpool is conveniently situated at Health Focus Clinic, 3 Canal Yard, Welshpool, SY21 7AQ. Clinic appointments are available on Friday mornings in Welshpool. You'll find the clinic at the far end of Morrisons car park, opposite the library and the canal. To book an appointment in Welshpool, please click the 'contact me' button, or call or text 07411 223357, or contact Health Focus Clinic directly (01938 556073). Appointments are necessary but are often available on the same day during clinic hours. The fee is £60 for treatment of one or both ears. "Fast, painless and excellent service!" Five star review from Joe Edwards.
Earwax removal services are offered at your home in Shrewsbury on Monday daytime or Thursday morning, and in Welshpool on Friday afternoon. Home visits can be arranged out of necessity or preference. While attending a clinic is beneficial, home visits are possible if required. Please note, same-day appointments are generally not available for home visits and should be scheduled a few days prior. For a home setup, a dining chair, a table, a power outlet, and sufficient space to access both ears are needed. For inquiries, please reach out. The fee is £60 for treating one or both ears in Shrewsbury or Welshpool, with an additional charge of at least £15 for greater distances. "Mark came to the flat to sort out my 84yr old partners ears. He had to come twice did one ear at a time. His hearing is a lot better today" Five star review from Denise Houseman
Earwax Microsuction
- Microsuction is the preferred method for earwax removal. This technique involves gentle suction with magnification and illumination, using a head loupe. Ear syringing with a manual syringe is no longer recommended, according to NICE guidelines. Using olive oil drops a few days prior can be beneficial, as it softens the wax, facilitating easier removal via microsuction. Other products, like sodium bicarbonate or urea hydrogen peroxide, tend to be more irritating and are not the preferred choice. Sometimes, more than one session is necessary to completely remove the wax. Cotton buds should be avoided as they can push the earwax against the eardrum. The cost is £60 for one or both ears.
Why choose Shropshire Earwax Removal?
- Mark Challiner PhD MSHAA, a local independent audiologist, offers a personal approach and prompt attention. Holding a PhD from the Department of Medicine at Liverpool University and qualified in Hearing Aid Audiology since 2006, he is experienced in fitting both NHS and private hearing aids. He also holds a Certificate in Earwax Removal from Aston University (2018) and has successfully treated thousands of patients. The pricing is clear and consistent at £60. His services are available at convenient locations with easy parking, avoiding busy town centres. Microsuction, the quickest and safest method, is offered, along with late-night appointments on Thursdays. Home visits are available if required. Additional services include a screening hearing test, hearing aid advice, and tinnitus advice upon request. He is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and is a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists.
- Authentic 5-star reviews from locals, such as Eileen Statton, are available. "Mark was excellent. An appointment offered within 2 days. Extremely experienced, would highly recommend.... I can hear better than ever, excellent work thank you Mark"
InFORMATION ABOUT HEARING AND EARWAX
About Earwax
The NHS website says a build up of earwax can lead to hearing loss, earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked, tinnitus or dizziness. And it warns: "Do not use your fingers or any objects like cotton buds to remove earwax. This will push it in and make it worse."
If it's not earwax, what could it be?
You can experience similar symptoms to those caused by earwax due to other causes. I see many people with an outer ear infection (otits externa). This is often due to getting water trapped in the ear canal, perhaps blocked by wax or having a narrow ear canal. Symptoms may include itch, discharge and sometimes pain. Treatment is required from your GP for the infection and I will be able to remove any remaining debris from the infection as well as earwax. Sometimes a 'foreign body' such as cotton wool is blocking the ear canal. Earwax is an 'outer ear' problem but some 'middle ear' problems can cause similar symptoms to blockage with earwax. Such conditions include, hay-fever, a head cold, covid, sinus problems and Eustachian tube dysfunction. If I cannot fix the problem I will offer advice on what to do next.
A recent testimonial
" Had a problem with my left ear, wax had built up that much I went deaf, Mark managed to sort the problem out without fuss and hearing back to normal again. Highly recommend Shropshire Earwax Removal " 5 star review from Andrew Richard
About Microsuction
Microsuction uses magnification under a microscope to vacuum any earwax out of the ear canal. Microsuction is one of the safest methods used to remove earwax, it has generally replaced syringing or irrigation.
About your appointment
At your appointment I will examine your ears, particularly the ear canal for evidence of a build up of wax. If excess wax is present in one or both ears I will take a comprehensive case history and answer any question that you may have. If no wax is blocking the ear I will discuss alternative actions that you may take such as contacting your GP for other appropriate treatment. I will ask you to sign a 'consent form' to give your informed consent to the procedure. I will then remove any wax if appropriate using microsuction or sometimes using a manual instrument to gently tease any wax out. All of this is done under illuminated magnification using a head loupe. After the procedure I will explain the outcome, discuss any follow up actions required, answer any questions that you may have and give general advice about your hearing health. Removal of wax may sometimes take more than one attempt.
I don't sell hearing aids, but.....
Hearing loss that is due to ‘wear and tear’ on the hearing nerve (the cochlea) can usually be significantly improved with aids. Wearing hearing aids can avoid a feeling of isolation that comes on gradually but can be debilitating.
If you want an appointment for wax removal either in clinic or at home please get in touch. I will reply promptly and arrange an appointment for you as soon as possible. I can also undertake a screening hearing test to give an indication of any existing hearing loss.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Some frequently asked questions
These are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions
How long have you been doing this?
I've worked as a Hearing Aid Audiologist since I qualified in 2006. I undertook additional training to provide an earwax removal service to my clients by completing the earwax microsuction course at Aston University in April 2018. Since then I have successfully treated thousands of ears and in the process restored 'normal hearing' to thousands of clients.
Where are your clinics for earwax removal?
Shropshire Earwax Removal is based in The Happy Feet Clinic (foot care!), Holyhead Road, Bicton, Shrewsbury SY3 8EQ on a Wednesday daytime and on Thursday late afternoon/evening. This is located on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. From Shrewsbury direction on the inner ring road take the right fork at the traffic lights by the Oxon Priory Pub (Shelton Corner) to Bicton and Montford Bridge (not Bicton Heath). After about 1.5 miles go past what was the the Four Crosses Pub (now Canopy Children's Nursery) and then Four Crosses Garage, the clinic is located on the right hand side just inside the 30mph limit. You can park right outside. Please park parallel to the house on our carpark and I will call you in when I am free.
I also have a clinic in Welshpool on Friday mornings at Health Focus Clinic, 3, Canal Yard Welshpool SY21 7AQ. Health Focus Clinic is located at the far end of Morrisons car park in Welshpool.
Can I book a home visit for earwax removal?
Home visits for earwax removal are available in Shrewsbury on a Monday daytime and Thursday morning subject to availability. Home visits in Welshpool are available on a Friday afternoon. It helps me if you can get to a clinic but I can see you in your own home if necessary because of difficulty in getting to a clinic or just for your convenience. In Shrewsbury or Welshpool the fee is still £60. Further distances incur an additional travel fee of at least £15.
How do I book an appointment for earwax removal?
Preferably use the 'contact me' form above or phone or text me on 07411 223357 or email me at dr.markchalliner@gmail.com If I am in a clinic I may not be able to answer immediately but I will get back to you asap. When I am in a clinic it is often easier for me to reply by text if all you need is an appointment rather than having questions to ask. Please let me know if you require a phone call back. For an appointment at Health Focus Clinic, Welshpool please contact the clinic directly on 01938 556073
How much does it cost? and how do I pay?
The cost for earwax removal whether it is one or both ears is £60 (not £60 per ear). The fee is the same whether for a clinic appointment or at your own home in Shrewsbury or Welshpool, further distances incur an additional travel fee of at least £15. If on examination no earwax is found then a 'consultation only' fee of £25 applies. You can pay by card.
What do I need to do before my appointment ?
Please use olive oil to soften the wax for about 5 days before your appointment. In my opinion a version of olive oil specifically for earwax removal purchased from a pharmacy is best. If you purchase Otex I recommend reading the small print as there are at least three different versions containing either urea hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate or olive oil. I recommend Earol as it contains olive oil and comes in a useful spray bottle. Avoid getting water in your ears as this can allow an infection to develop. Don't use cotton buds as they push wax deeper into the ear canal making it more difficult to remove.
MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Are you independent?
Yes, I'm an Independent Hearing Aid Audiologist providing an Earwax Removal Service with clinics in Shrewsbury and Welshpool. Home visits provided in and around Shrewsbury. I live near Shrewsbury. I also work as a locum elsewhere testing peoples hearing and dispensing and fitting hearing aids as well as providing an aftercare service. I am not going to try and sell you hearing aids but if your hearing is not improved by having the earwax removed I would always recommend getting a hearing test either privately or through your GP. I am a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists. I wear hearing aids myself so I know what it feels like to have a hearing loss and to wear hearing aids on a daily basis.
Is it necessary to have earwax removed?
In general earwax is good for your ears and is protective and healthy. However an excessive build up of earwax can result in symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Some people are more prone to a build up of earwax than others. Hearing aids perhaps make the likelihood of a build up of earwax more common. For hearing aid wearers earwax can exacerbate problems of feedback (whistling) and hearing aids not working due to being blocked with earwax.
How frequently should I have earwax removed?
On average about once a year if you are prone to a build up of wax. Some clients I see every 3 or 4 months. It's better to seek treatment sooner than later and use olive oil drops to soften the wax for a few days before your appointment. To try and avoid a build up or wax you can use olive oil drops occasionally (no more than once a week) to keep the wax soft and it may work its way out of the ear canal as the skin lining the ear a canal grows outwards in a similar process to how your finger nails grow out.
Is it safe to use cotton buds to clean the ear canal?
In general no. The ear canal is about 3cm long and is about 0.5cm or less wide. Putting a cotton bud in your ear may remove a small amount of earwax on the tip of the cotton bud but the greater risk is that it pushes wax deeper into the ear canal close to the thin membrane of the eardrum. The earwax has no where to go and can become compacted against the eardrum making it painful and more difficult to remove. Many G.P.'s advise not putting anything smaller than your elbow in your ear canal!
How soon can I expect to notice an improvement in my hearing after having earwax removed?
The benefit is usually experienced immediately! If you don't notice an immediate improvement I will discuss the reasons why and advise you on what to do next. This may include continuing to use olive oil drops for a few days, coming back for a follow up appointment, contacting your GP or pharmacist for advice or booking a hearing test.