Decline of NHS earwax removal services in England

24 January 2024 (Last updated: 25 Jan 2024 14:55)

For some years now, NHS funded community dewaxing services have been gradually declining. As a result, many people are affected by avoidable hearing loss or find themselves having to pay for dewaxing privately. This was highlighted in a report published by the RNID in 2022. Despite NICE guidance recommending NHS provision of dewaxing, a report published January 2024 by the RNID has again highlighted the poor provision of dewaxing services. Of the 42 Integrated Care Boards in England, 7 provide no dewaxing services at all and another 15 provide only very limited dewaxing services. 
 
Pressure is being applied to government and NHS England to improve the situation and BSO and GIRFT, together with several other stakeholders, are working together to raise this issue and encourage ICBs to improve the provision of dewaxing services but local pressure on ICBs by clinicians is another important means of driving change.

RNID said in a statement:

RNID are campaigning for everyone to be able to access ear wax removal services. Our new report found that provision of this vital service is a postcode lottery, with many Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England providing only a partial service or no ear wax removal services at all. RNID is calling for an urgent government review to ensure everyone who needs wax removal can access it on the NHS.

You can support our campaign by:

• writing to your ICB (England) or local commissioning body, if patients in your area are struggling to access NHS ear wax removal, sharing our report and stressing the importance of these vital services.
• sharing your views on new or existing ear wax removal technologies or service delivery methods that could improve NHS services. Have you got a pathway that works well for patients in your area? Let us know!

For more information, please contact our Audiology Manager: Franki.Oliver@rnid.org.uk