[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "is%20it%20correct%20now%20in%20UK%20gp%20practises%20they%20don%27t%20do%20ear%20irrigation%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "In short: yes, it\u2019s generally correct that many GP practices in the UK no longer offer traditional ear irrigation (often called \u201cear syringing\u201d), especially under NHS funding. However, availability still varies by area, specific practice, and patient circumstances.\n\nHere\u2019s a breakdown of the situation, based on recent guidance and reports (as of early to mid-2026):\n\n---\n\n## What the official guidance says\n\n- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend community (primary care) management of troublesome earwax, including removal if it\u2019s affecting hearing or causing symptoms. ([remedy.bnssg.icb.nhs.uk](https://remedy.bnssg.icb.nhs.uk/adults/ent/ear-wax-and-microsuction/?utm_source=openai))  \n- \u201cRoutine ear syringing\u201d or manual irrigation (water syringing) is no longer considered the safest first-line method. NICE and professional guidance (e.g., ENT UK, British Society of Audiology) now strongly prefer safer methods such as electronic irrigation machines under controlled pressure or microsuction. Manual syringing carries higher risks (e.g., ear drum perforation, infection). ([thebsa.org.uk](https://www.thebsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/OD104-93-BSA-Practice-Guidance-Aural-Care-Ear-Wax-Removal-July-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What\u2019s changing in GP practices\n\n- Since April 2025, many GP surgeries in England have officially ceased providing the service of ear irrigation (earwax removal requiring syringing) as part of standard GP contract services. Practices say it\u2019s not part of their funded core duties. ([practice365.co.uk](https://practice365.co.uk/c83031/2025/03/22/ear-irrigation-service-closing/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Some surgeries are still willing to remove wax using newer techniques, like electronic irrigation (when permitted) or microsuction. But these are often limited, by staffing, funding, or technical availability. ([hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk](https://www.hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk/all-clinical-areas-documents/ear-nose-throat-ent/ear-wax-removal-microsuction-adults-only/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What patients are advised to do instead\n\n- First-line treatment is typically self-care: softening wax at home using ear drops (like olive oil or sodium bicarbonate) for several days. ([greensidemedicalpractice.nhs.uk](https://www.greensidemedicalpractice.nhs.uk/ear-care?utm_source=openai))  \n- If symptoms persist or if there\u2019s hearing loss, pain, or risk factors (such as previous ear surgery or eardrum perforation), practices may refer to community ear care services or ENT specialists to do microsuction. ([hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk](https://www.hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk/all-clinical-areas-documents/ear-nose-throat-ent/ear-wax-removal-microsuction-adults-only/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What\u2019s happening in practice\n\n- Many Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) do **not** commission earwax removal as a core service to all GP practices. Some only partially commission it (so only certain areas or under specific criteria), and a few commission it fully. ([nds.healthwatch.co.uk](https://nds.healthwatch.co.uk/sites/default/files/reports_library/20251024_Brighton%20and%20Hove_Ear%20Wax%20Survey%20Report_Final_2.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Some GP practices explicitly state in notices to patients that they no longer offer earwax removal (syringing or otherwise) because of changes in funding, contracts, or risks associated. ([heathbridgepractice.co.uk](https://www.heathbridgepractice.co.uk/news/earwax-removal-what-you-need-to-know?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## Summary\n\n- **Is it universally true?** No \u2013 there\u2019s still variation. Some GPs still offer irrigation or microsuction, especially where services are commissioned locally and resources allow. ([doclibrary-kccg.cornwall.nhs.uk](https://doclibrary-kccg.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/KernowCCG/EngagingWithServiceUsers/StrategicReportsAndPlans/EarWaxRemovalEngagementReport.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Is it increasingly common that they don\u2019t?** Yes. Most GP practices are moving away from offering traditional syringing, especially as part of NHS core services. Many patients are now expected to use self-care first, and then be referred or go privately if needed. ([practice365.co.uk](https://practice365.co.uk/uploads/sites/601/2023/11/CareofEarsPIL.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which region or GP practice you're asking about (e.g., London, Manchester, Scotland), I can check what the local situation is."
    }
]