Outrageous charges for ear wax removal

I am writing to support RNID’s ear wax campaign and share my personal experience of struggling to get ear wax removal.

I and my wife are 81-year-old pensioners and cannot afford the seemingly outrageous charges for ear wax removal currently being charged in our town (Windsor).

Why this service is not available on the NHS is a concern especially when it would cost between £120 and £160 for both of us to get the treatment privately .

It is estimated that around 2.3million people a year in the UK require their ear wax to be removed by a professional.

Ear wax build up can cause painful and distressing symptoms - such as hearing loss, tinnitus and debilitating earache – yet RNID’s new report highlights the horrifying reality that far too many people are unable to access this essential service on the NHS.

RNID's report shows that only 18 out of 40 Integrated Care Boards, the commissioners of most NHS services, are meeting public health guidelines by providing ear wax removal services for everyone in their area.

Fifteen provide a limited service, or use restrictive criteria, and seven don’t provide any service at all.

This means thousands of people like me face avoidable hearing loss, tinnitus and earache because they can’t get ear wax removed on the NHS.

It is unacceptable that people are facing long-delays and costly private app ointments because local Integrated Care Boards are not delivering.

You can find out more about RNID’s ear wax campaign by visiting rnid.org.uk/earwax

RNID need your support.

As someone who experiences ear wax build up, I am joining RNID in calling on the Department of Health and Social Care for an urgent review of ear wax removal services for people who are failing to get the care they need on the NHS.

The problem is certainly clear - people who need ear wax removal must be able to access this service on the NHS, regardless of where they live. MARTIN MORRIS Windsor