What action is the Welsh Government taking to respond to the growing number of people seeking ear wax removal services from private clinics?
Ear wax management is provided through the NHS, and no one should expect to have to pay for this service, however some people choose private treatment.
A new pathway for the delivery of an NHS wax management service was given Ministerial approval in 2020 and all health boards are working towards its full implementation. Once the pathway is in place, patients will be referred to a primary care NHS audiology service where they will be treated free of charge. In some parts of Wales, wax management services will continue to be delivered through GP practices, these will adhere to the same standards.
In addition, Welsh Government has worked with all stakeholders to produce information leaflets for people living with troublesome ear wax, which explains ways of preventing or managing their condition. The link to the self-management leaflet is below:
Self-management of ear wax | GOV.WALES
While there are no current plans to regulate this industry for private practice in Wales we are working with stakeholders to define and develop safe practice concerning this UK-wide issue.