Why is ear wax removal no longer free on the NHS?

In NHS UK, routine ear wax removal is considered a low-priority service and is no longer provided by the majority of general practitioners (GPs) or in NHS clinics. Ear wax removal is considered largely a private service rather than a publicly funded one for several reasons:

1. Resource allocation: The NHS operates with a finite budget and must allocate resources to services based on factors such as medical necessity, cost-effectiveness, and public health priorities. Services that are deemed lower priority, such as routine ear wax removal, may not receive funding for widespread provision in the NHS.
2. Availability of alternatives: In many cases, ear wax can be safely managed at home using over-the-counter remedies or by seeing a private audiologist or healthcare provider for ear wax removal. Provision of this service by the NHS may therefore be less urgent when alternatives are readily available.
3. Capacity constraints: NHS clinics and general practices may already be stretched thin in terms of resources and staffing. Adding routine ear wax removal to their list of services could exacerbate capacity constraints and lead to longer wait times for other essential services.
4. Cost considerations: While ear wax removal is a relatively simple procedure, its provision by the NHS would still incur costs related to staffing, equipment, and administrative overhead. Given NHS budgetary constraints, providing this service on a widespread basis may raise concerns about its cost-effectiveness.
5. Focus on higher-priority healthcare needs: The NHS prioritises services that address acute medical conditions, preventable diseases, and other healthcare needs that have a significant impact on public health. Routine ear wax removal, while important for some individuals, may not rise to the same level of priority as other healthcare services.

In summary, the decision to privatise ear wax removal services in the NHS was likely influenced by a combination of factors related to resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and capacity constraints in the healthcare system.