At Clear Ear Cheer, we’re proud to champion RNID’s Stop the Block campaign, which addresses the urgent need for accessible earwax removal services across the UK. With 8.1 million people in England lacking NHS support for earwax removal, and areas like Mid & South Essex and Suffolk & North East Essex receiving no NHS funding for this vital service, many face painful symptoms, hearing loss, and mental health challenges. RNID’s campaign calls for systemic change to ensure equitable access, and we’re here to support this mission while offering affordable, professional care to bridge the gap.

The Issue: A Postcode Lottery for Earwax Removal

RNID’s research exposes a stark postcode lottery, with nearly half of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England failing to provide earwax removal services in line with NICE guidelines. This leaves 2.3 million people—particularly older adults, hearing aid users, and those with learning disabilities facing significant barriers. Without NHS services, many are forced to pay over £100 per private session, a cost that 40% of people surveyed by RNID say they cannot afford, with 62% deeming it unreasonable. Others resort to dangerous DIY methods, risking infections, ear damage, or permanent hearing loss.

The impact is profound: nearly half of those affected experience hearing loss, a third suffer from earache, and a quarter develop tinnitus. One in five report poor mental health and isolation, underscoring the need for action.

RNID’s Campaign Goals and Progress

RNID’s Stop the Block campaign is advocating for transformative change to restore earwax removal as a vital NHS service. Their goals include:

• NHS England providing guidance to ICBs to implement free earwax removal services in primary care and community settings, in line with NICE guidance. RNID is also working with Scottish and Welsh governments to ensure similar commitments.

• Improved patient information on safe self-management of earwax, published by NHS England.

• Ensuring provider accountability, with commissioners verifying that earwax removal providers meet contractual obligations and that patient-facing staff are informed about available services.

• Consistent, evidence-based information shared by GP surgeries and ICBs to support safe earwax management.

RNID’s recent survey highlights strong public support, with 73% of respondents believing earwax removal should be free through the NHS, reflecting the widespread demand for change.

How Clear Ear Cheer Can Help

In Mid & South Essex and Suffolk & North East Essex, where NHS earwax removal services are unavailable, Clear Ear Cheer is committed to supporting RNID’s vision while providing immediate, affordable solutions. Our services include:

• Professional Earwax Removal: Our trained practitioners use safe, evidence-based techniques to ensure comfortable and effective treatment, avoiding the risks of DIY methods.

• Hearing Aid Maintenance and Servicing: We offer specialized care to keep hearing aids in optimal condition, essential for users prone to wax build-up.

• Discounts for Hearing Aid Users: To ease the financial burden, we provide exclusive discounts for hearing aid users, making professional care more accessible.

By choosing Clear Ear Cheer, you’re supporting a local business aligned with RNID’s mission to ensure equitable ear care for all.

Why This Matters

RNID’s campaign shares stories like Audrey Houghton’s, a 70-year-old from Biggleswade who faced isolation and distress when her GP stopped offering earwax removal. With private care often unaffordable or unsatisfactory, many are left struggling. At Clear Ear Cheer, we’re dedicated to preventing such outcomes by offering compassionate, reliable care tailored to your needs.

Join Us in Supporting RNID

We echo RNID’s call for the Department of Health and Social Care to act swiftly: ensure NHS earwax removal services are accessible to all and provide clear, safe guidance on self-management. Until these changes are implemented, Clear Ear Cheer is here to help. Book an appointment today for professional earwax removal or hearing aid servicing, and take advantage of our special discounts for hearing aid users. Together, we can Stop The Block and ensure everyone in Mid & South Essex and Suffolk & North East Essex has the ear care they deserve.

Join the RNID in calling for an urgent review of earwax removal services.

Help them campaign for people who are failing to get the care they need on the NHS.