Single-Sided Hearing Loss? Why Both Ears May Need Cleaning
Sudden hearing loss in one ear can be alarming. In many cases, impacted earwax causes the problem. However, cleaning only the affected ear is not always enough. In this article we explain why both ears are often checked and cleaned, what to expect, and how Out With The Wax can help with safe home microsuction from £40 across Manchester.
Why hearing can seem to drop in one ear
When sound cannot reach the eardrum because of a wax blockage, hearing in that ear drops. Patients often notice sudden muffling or a full feeling. While one ear may feel worse, the other ear can also contain significant wax that reduces overall balance and sound clarity.
Why both ears are usually examined
Clinicians inspect both ear canals for a few reasons:
- Wax can be asymmetric — one side may block first while the other slowly builds up.
- Cleaning both ears prevents rapid re-blockage and helps restore binaural hearing (hearing from both sides).
- Some symptoms (tinnitus, imbalance) improve only after both ears are checked and treated.
Common signs that earwax is the cause
- Sudden muffled hearing in one ear
- Pressure, popping or fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing) that settles after cleaning
- Reduced clarity on phone calls or difficulty hearing in noisy rooms
How Out With The Wax assesses and treats the problem
At Out With The Wax we perform a quick video otoscopy of both ears during home visits. This lets us see how much wax is present and choose the safest method. We primarily use microsuction — the gold-standard technique that removes wax gently under direct vision.
What happens during your home visit
- We confirm your symptoms and medical history.
- A video otoscope inspects both ear canals.
- Microsuction or a suitable removal method is performed.
- Aftercare advice is given and we answer questions.
Why home microsuction beats pharmacy or clinic visits
Many people consider Boots, Specsavers or their GP for ear cleaning. While these options sometimes help, Out With The Wax offers distinct advantages:
| Feature | Boots / Specsavers / GP | Out With The Wax (Home) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Typically £55–£80 | From £40 (home visit) |
| Convenience | In-store only, travel required | We come to your home across Greater Manchester |
| Time & Comfort | Time-limited appointments, busy clinics | Flexible same-day slots, private and unhurried |
| Technique | Often irrigation or mixed methods | Gold-standard microsuction under direct vision |
| Aftercare | Limited in-clinic advice | Comprehensive aftercare and follow-up guidance |
When to seek urgent help
If you experience sudden, complete hearing loss, severe pain, discharge, or dizziness, seek urgent medical evaluation. If the likely cause is wax and you want fast relief, Out With The Wax can often offer same-day home appointments to assess and treat the issue.
Costs and booking
Home visits start from £40. We provide clear quotes before any treatment. For complex cases or follow-up visits, we explain any additional fees upfront. To book, visit our booking page or call the number on our site.
Areas we cover
Out With The Wax provides home earwax removal across Manchester and Greater Manchester, including:
Didsbury · Withington · Fallowfield · Rusholme · Altrincham · Sale · Chorlton · Stockport · Prestwich · Stretford · Heald Green · Levenshulme
Frequently asked questions
Can impacted wax cause permanent hearing loss?
Most wax-related hearing loss is temporary. Once the wax is removed, hearing typically returns. If hearing does not improve, further medical assessment is recommended.
Why clean both ears if only one feels blocked?
Cleaning both ears avoids re-blockage and restores balanced hearing. The ear that feels clear may still have wax that affects sound quality or contributes to future problems.
Is microsuction safe for children and older adults?
Yes. Microsuction is widely used for children and older patients, but clinicians always assess suitability case-by-case and adapt techniques as needed.
Conclusion: fast relief at home
If you have sudden hearing loss in one ear, don’t panic. Get assessed quickly. Out With The Wax offers expert home assessment and microsuction across Manchester from £40. We examine both ears, treat the issue safely, and explain aftercare so you can get back to normal sooner.