Ear wax removal and hearing aids in Milton Keynes
Ears feeling blocked, or struggling to hear the TV? In Milton Keynes, you can often refer yourself to the NHS Adult Hearing Service without seeing a GP first, which isn't the case everywhere. This guide explains that service, what private care costs and where home visits can help.
Quick answer: Adults registered with a Milton Keynes GP can usually self-refer to the NHS Adult Hearing Service (01908 801 108) for a hearing and ear health check. For ear wax, use oil drops first, then ask your GP practice, or book a private appointment (typically £50–£100, with home visits available).
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Ear wax removal in Milton Keynes
Try oil drops first
The NHS advises 2 to 3 drops of olive or almond oil, 3 to 4 times a day, for 3 to 5 days. Don't use cotton buds, and don't use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum.
NHS options
The NHS says not all GP surgeries remove ear wax. Ask your practice whether it offers removal or can refer you to another NHS service. The Milton Keynes Adult Hearing Service checks ear health and can refer you on to an ENT team if needed. Check with the service whether it can remove wax before you attend.
Private and home-visit ear wax removal
Private clinics, pharmacies and audiologists in Milton Keynes offer microsuction and irrigation, typically for £50–£100. Milton Keynes also has several mobile ear wax practitioners who visit homes and care homes, which helps if getting out is difficult.
See a doctor instead if you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, discharge, bleeding or dizziness. Contact your GP or NHS 111.
Hearing tests and hearing aids in Milton Keynes
The NHS route: Adult Hearing Service (CNWL)
The Milton Keynes Adult Hearing Service, run by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), provides hearing checks and ear health assessments for adults over 16 who are registered with a Milton Keynes GP.
- Self-refer using the form on the CNWL website, or call 01908 801 108.
- Or ask your GP to refer you.
- Self-referral isn't available for some people, including those who need a home or nursing home visit, people with a dementia diagnosis, and people already under the care of the Milton Keynes audiology department. They need a GP referral.
- Patients of a few practices outside the local area, such as Hanslope, Woburn and Asplands, may not be eligible.
Milton Keynes University Hospital also has an audiology department for more specialist care.
Private hearing care
High-street chains, private hospitals and independent audiologists in Milton Keynes offer hearing tests, often free, and private hearing aids, typically £1,000–£4,000+ a pair.
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for adults | Typically £1,000–£4,000+ a pair |
| How to start | Self-referral (most adults) or GP referral | Book directly |
| Choice | NHS digital range | Wider range, including rechargeable and nearly invisible styles |
Help for older people and families in Milton Keynes
- Alerts at home: visual and vibrating doorbell, phone and smoke alarms help if you can't hear them.
- Milton Keynes City Council's adult social care directory lists local hearing and sensory support.
- If stairs are also becoming difficult, see our guide to stairlifts in Milton Keynes.
Areas we cover in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes and nearby, including Bletchley, Wolverton, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Olney, Woburn Sands, Shenley, Westcroft, Kents Hill and Furzton.
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Please note: This is a general guide, not medical advice. Eligibility, referral routes and prices change, so check with CNWL, your GP practice or the provider before booking.