Suffering from blocked ears? The NHS will not syringe, the government has confirmed.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2020-09-15/90063

Edward Argar MP said it was no longer one of the core services GPs are obliged to provide.

He was responding to an inquiry from Tory MP Andrew Rosindell.

Traditionally, wax was removed by the use of water injected into the ear with a large metal syringe.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which approves treatments for the NHS, now advises GP surgeries to use electronic irrigators or suction devices. If that repeatedly fails, the patient can be referred to "a specialist ear care service or an ear, nose and throat service".

Removal of ear wax is not on the list of core services surgeries must offer, although some groups of local surgeries, or "local clinical commissioning groups", band together to pay for them.

Ear syringing at private clinics can cost around £80.

Mr Rosindell asked why the service was "no longer routinely available" and what economic impact this will have on elderly people or those with hearing loss.

The Romford MP had been contacted by a constituent who felt that they should not have to pay for what they regarded as a medical necessity.

Mr Argar told him: "The provision of ear syringing is an example of an enhanced service. If a local clinical commissioning group has decided not to commission an enhanced service, this may relate to population needs and value for money.

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