Quiet Time Slots at Hearing First Oxford – Book Appointment for Low-Noise Visits

Resource Changed: 24 November 2025 03:10

Waxfree Guarantee™: We are the only clinic in Oxford offering the Waxfree Guarantee™, a promise that gives you real peace of mind when you come in for ear care.

We are the specialist microsuction ear wax removal clinic in Oxford, providing both Microsuction Earwax Removal and Manual Instrument Earwax Removal carried out by experienced Audiologists. Each practitioner was carefully selected by our founder, Jason Levy, so you can be confident you are seeing true ear wax removal specialists in Oxford.

Our Botley, Oxford location serves nearby areas including Wytham, Kidlington, Jericho, Summertown, Marston, Yarnton, Elsfield, Cowley, Headington, Abingdon, Radley, Littlemore, Beckley, Islip, Hampton Poyle, Stanton Harcourt, Hardwick, Kingston Bagpuize, Gozzard’s Ford, Woodstock, Witney, Thame, Eynsham, Freeland, Cassington, Weston-on-the-Green, Charlton-on-Otmore, Horton-cum-Studley, Forest Hill, Wheatley, Ducklington, Aston, Northmoor, Worton and Sandford-on-Thames.

Quiet appointments at Hearing First Oxford — request a low-noise visit

Why we offer quiet sessions

Quiet time slots are pre-arranged appointments created for people who benefit from a calmer clinic atmosphere, for example those with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or a simple preference for low background sound. These sessions reduce ambient noise, keep patient overlap to a minimum and avoid crowded waiting areas. Our audiologists space bookings to allow longer gaps between patients and set up rooms with soft lighting and minimal equipment noise. The result is clearer communication during hearing tests and consultations, and a more comfortable experience for people who use hearing aids, cochlear implants or rely on communication support workers.

How the clinic makes adjustments

At Raleigh Park Clinic we introduce quieter seating, soft furnishings and sound-absorbing materials where practical, and staff are asked to speak calmly and use low-volume equipment settings during procedures such as microsuction ear wax removal. We also offer preferred seating in the waiting area, minimise corridor traffic and provide accessible parking close to the entrance. These steps help people with autism, hyperacusis, post-traumatic stress and anyone who simply prefers less sensory stimulation.

Booking tip

When you call or book online, tell the team you need a quiet appointment and outline any additional needs such as an accompanying carer, a longer appointment or specific sensory adjustments. That information lets reception allocate an appropriate low-noise slot and arrange reasonable adjustments under clinical governance.

Extra reassurance

Quiet appointment preferences are recorded in your patient notes, so the audiologist will be briefed before you arrive, including details about wheelchair access, the nearby disabled bay and any communication preferences you previously stated.

How our quiet slots are organised

Quiet slots are structured to limit concurrent activity in the clinic: fewer people in the building, staggered arrival times and direct rooming to avoid lengthy waits. On the day, reception will confirm arrival procedures and usually escort you straight to the consultation room to reduce exposure to noise and other patients. Appointments run for the clinically appropriate time, with flexibility for extra reassurance, and staff use clear, deliberate communication throughout assessments or treatments such as microsuction ear wax removal and audiometric testing.

Booking and what follows

You can request a low-noise visit when booking online or by phone, and we will send a confirmation that restates the quiet arrangements. We suggest choosing off-peak times if available, and we will confirm parking directions for Raleigh Park Road, the accessible bay location and the best entrance to use so your visit is calm from arrival to departure.

Directions to the clinic

From the A34 southbound, take the Westminster Way exit, follow the road round to the right then turn left onto Raleigh Park Road. At the top you will spot red-brick posts with decorative bobbles marking Raleigh Park; continue a short distance then turn right onto a narrow lane that leads to Raleigh Park Clinic. The customer car park is the gravel area on the right, just before the clinic.

From Botley, starting at the Premier Inn Oxford Botley, head south on Westminster Way for around half a mile then turn right onto Raleigh Park Road. At the top you will see the red-brick posts that mark Raleigh Park; go a little further and turn right onto the narrow lane to Raleigh Park Clinic. The customer car park is the gravel space on the right just before the clinic.

Who gains most from low-noise appointments

Groups who benefit

Low-noise appointments help many patients, including people with sensory processing differences, autism, anxiety disorders, hyperacusis and those recovering from ear surgery. They are also useful for older adults using hearing aids and for people with cognitive impairment who find busy clinics disorientating. Reducing auditory and visual stimuli lets clinicians take extra time to explain procedures, conduct focused ear examinations and perform hearing tests without background noise affecting results, improving both comfort and diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical benefits explained

For procedures such as microsuction, a quieter setting allows the audiologist to concentrate on direct microscopic visualisation, reducing movement and improving outcomes. Low-noise slots also make hearing aid consultations more effective, because device demonstrations (bluetooth pairing, speech-in-noise programmes) are less likely to be masked by extraneous sound.

Family and carer considerations

When a child or young person attends, or when a carer accompanies someone who needs support, a low-noise slot ensures the accompanying person can be fully involved, ask questions and receive clear aftercare advice about wax management and safe use of hearing devices.

Clinical note

Beyond comfort, quieter consultations often produce more reliable pure tone thresholds, which helps the audiologist make better informed recommendations about treatment, follow-up and any necessary referrals.

Disabled parking

There is one disabled bay located directly outside the clinic entrance.

How to book a quiet appointment

Booking a low-noise appointment at Hearing First Oxford is straightforward: use the online booking form or call the clinic and state that you would like a quiet time slot. Reception will offer available low-noise times across mornings and afternoons and advise which slots are least likely to be busy. We log any additional needs such as requests for longer appointments, a support person or wheelchair access. Confirmation includes directions to 45 Raleigh Park Road, parking notes and guidance on what to bring for a hearing test or ear wax removal.

Step-by-step booking guide

1. If you prefer to call, speak with our reception team who will check availability, note sensory or mobility requirements, and reserve a suitable low-noise appointment, followed by a text or email reminder that includes map directions to the Raleigh Park Clinic car park.
2. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give as much notice as possible so we can offer the quiet slot to another patient who relies on reduced stimulation.
3. On booking, let us know if the appointment is for a young person aged 12 to 17, so we can confirm a parent or guardian will be present and allocate extra time for consent and explanation.
4. Visit the online booking page and select a low-noise or quiet appointment option, then choose a date and time shown as reduced-capacity or quieter; you will receive an immediate email confirmation and pre-appointment guidance.
5. Payment options and pricing will be confirmed at booking; check whether a deposit is required and whether your insurer covers private microsuction or hearing tests at our independent clinic.

More information

For fuller details about our Oxford ear wax removal clinic, find more information here.

Clinic design and low-noise features

How layout reduces sound

The clinic is arranged to create quieter routes and waiting areas. Reception is compact with a separate seating alcove to keep corridor noise down. Consultation rooms are set back from the entrance and traffic flow, and we choose flooring and wall finishes that absorb sound rather than reflect it. Non-essential devices are silenced, hearing equipment is maintained to minimise operational noise and cleaning is scheduled outside low-noise appointment periods. These measures support clearer communication during hearing tests and microsuction treatments and enhance patient comfort.

Simple practical steps for comfort

• We keep doorways closed where possible to prevent corridor noise entering clinical spaces, and we limit who enters a room during consultations to essential staff only.
• Clear signage and a short, sheltered walk from the car park to the clinic entrance reduces the need to wait outdoors where traffic noise can be distressing for some patients.
• Appointments are timed to prevent back-to-back full waiting rooms, with cleaning scheduled between patients to maintain hygiene while preserving a calm atmosphere.
• Soft furnishings and upholstered seating reduce echo, and we reserve the quieter seats for patients who request them during booking, ensuring a calmer pre-examination period with minimal visual and auditory distraction.
• Staff use low voices and limit phone use in patient areas; when clinicians need to check clinical information they step into the consultation room to avoid disturbing others.

Small request guideline

If you have particular needs such as a preferred seat, an interpreter or a tactile introduction to the room, tell us when booking and we will note it so your arrival and consultation run smoothly.

How much does ear wax removal in Oxford cost?

Ear wax removal in Oxford starts from £34. The exact price varies depending on whether one or both ears are treated, whether it is peak or off-peak, and how far in advance you book.

What to expect in a quiet appointment

In a quiet appointment the visit is paced to prioritise comfort and clarity. Your audiologist will introduce themselves calmly, explain each step and check consent before any examination or procedure such as microsuction ear wax removal. Equipment is used at the lowest safe volume, the room is arranged to avoid sudden noises and you can expect a short history, careful otoscopic inspection with magnification and, if needed, precise microsuction under direct vision to clear the ear canal. We will explain aftercare and any warning signs that require further review.

Procedure and aftercare checklist

• If manual instruments are needed, the audiologist will explain why and describe the expected sensations, pausing whenever you indicate discomfort or anxiety.
• Microsuction is carried out under direct vision, using controlled suction and small sterile tips, which commonly causes less discomfort and avoids forcing fluid into the ear canal compared with irrigation methods.
• Pre-procedure briefing, where the audiologist explains what you may hear and feel, offers reassurance and confirms any communication preferences such as written follow-up notes or a carer present.
• If a hearing test was performed, the audiologist will explain results in plain language, discuss whether impartial hearing aid advice is appropriate and outline any recommended next steps, including monitoring or ENT referral if needed.
• Aftercare advice covers keeping the ear dry for a short period, signs of infection to watch for and when to seek urgent review; we also provide guidance on safe ear cleaning at home and how to arrange follow-up if required.

Disabled access

The clinic is situated on the ground floor.

Under 18s: quiet appointments for children and young people

Age rules and consent

We provide microsuction for young people aged 12 to 17 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and we always obtain the appropriate consent before treatment. Quiet slots are often valuable for children who are anxious or have sensory differences. The audiologist explains the procedure in age-appropriate language, will visually demonstrate instruments when helpful and allows a parent to stay close for reassurance. Appointment timing and length are adjusted to suit school and family logistics.

Helping a child prepare

1. If your child uses hearing aids or cochlear implants, bring the devices and any chargers; quiet appointments allow time to show maintenance and connectivity without background noise masking the demonstration.
2. Talk to your child beforehand about what will happen, using simple language or a brief role play so they understand sitting still and keeping the head steady; preparation reduces fear and helps the appointment run smoothly.
3. If your child has an EHCP, specific communication needs or a support plan, tell us when booking so we can allocate a clinician experienced in those needs and prepare appropriate adjustments on the day.
4. Bring a familiar comfort item to help keep the child calm in the consultation room; we will make space for it and explain where it can sit so it does not interfere with equipment.
5. Allow extra travel time so you arrive relaxed rather than rushed; we will check you in promptly and escort you to a quieter waiting area or straight to the room when possible.

Note for carers

Parents and guardians may stay during the procedure, and staff will discuss aftercare thoroughly so you can monitor ear health and spot any signs of complications once you return home.

Services we provide

• Manual Instrument Ear Wax Removal
• Impartial Hearing Aid Advice, Fitting and Aftercare: If you want friendly, impartial advice, we are an independent company that is not part-owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, so we can advise you on which model is most appropriate for your lifestyle. We supply and fit modern digital invisible, rechargeable, bluetooth and iPhone-compatible hearing aids.
• Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
• Under 18 Microsuction Ear Wax Removal: We provide microsuction ear wax removal for age 12-17 when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Hearing Tests: We can test your hearing and explain the meaning of your results – we are not part-owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, so we will not use a “free” test to push a sale as some High Street chains do.

Professional ear wax removal Oxford Audiologists, conveniently located just off the A34 in the North Hinksey area of Botley, with free on-site parking. We are the only ear wax removal clinic in Oxford that offers The Hearing First Waxfree Guarantee™, so if you have a blocked ear, book an appointment at our ear wax removal Oxford clinic. We are the ear wax removal experts in Oxford.

Accessibility, parking and disabled access

Hearing First Oxford is at 45 Raleigh Park Road with free on-site parking including a marked disabled bay directly outside the clinic. The premises are on the ground floor with step-free access, making it straightforward for patients using mobility aids, wheelchairs or pushchairs. We can reserve a close parking space for those with mobility needs if requested at booking, and there is a short, level path from the gravel car park to the clinic door. Reception staff are trained to support mobility needs and to prioritise seating for those who need it most.

If you need extra support, such as a chaperone, an interpreter or information in an alternative format, please say so when booking so we can arrange reasonable adjustments in line with equality and clinical governance expectations. We also note any access requirements on your appointment so the clinician is aware before you arrive.

20 interesting facts about Oxford

1. Shark on the Roof
   
   A life-size fibreglass shark appears to crash through a house roof in Headington, installed in 1986 as a protest about war and censorship.
2. Radcliffe Camera
   
   This iconic circular library building is one of Oxford’s most photographed landmarks and part of the Bodleian Library system.
3. Oldest University in the English-Speaking World
   
   The University of Oxford dates from the 12th century and is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
4. The Bodleian Library
   
   One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian holds over 13 million printed items and receives a copy of every book published in the UK.
5. Punting on the Cherwell
   
   Punting is a classic Oxford pastime: propelling a flat-bottomed boat along the river with a pole.
6. Ear wax removal in Oxford
   
   Expert ear wax removal is available from Hearing First Oxford at Raleigh Park Clinic in North Hinksey, Botley OX2, easily reached from the A34 or Premier Inn Oxford Botley with plenty of free onsite parking. Book your appointment online.
7. Blackwell’s Bookshop
   
   Founded in 1879, Blackwell’s contains the Norrington Room — one of the largest rooms of books in the world, located underground.
8. The Gargoyle That Sticks Its Tongue Out
   
   On New College Lane a gargoyle pulls a face and sticks its tongue out, reportedly aimed at a rival college.
9. The Bridge of Sighs Curse
   
   Students believe walking under Hertford Bridge before exams brings bad luck, so many cross the street to avoid it.
10. The Morse Effect
    
    Following years of the TV show Inspector Morse, tourists visit Oxford pubs just to sit where the fictional detective drank.
11. The Ghost of the Sheldonian
    
    Staff at the Sheldonian Theatre report late-night footsteps and creaks, attributed to a former caretaker’s ghost.
12. The Divinity School Ceiling
    
    The intricate fan-vaulted ceiling of the Divinity School took three years to carve and features over 400 bosses.
13. The Underground Narnia Door
    
    Near St Mary’s Passage there is a small wooden door said to have inspired the magical wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series.
14. Oxford’s Miniature Forest
    
    A micro-forest has been planted in Florence Park using the Miyawaki method to boost urban biodiversity.
15. City of Spires
    
    Oxford’s skyline, dotted with church towers and college spires, inspired the nickname “The City of Dreaming Spires”.
16. Oxford University Press
    
    OUP is the largest university press in the world and has been publishing scholarly works since 1586.
17. The Cat That Earned a Degree

    In the 1920s, a cat named Simpkins

Pricing, payment and insurance explained

Private ear wax removal appointments generally start at £34, with the final price depending on whether one or both ears are treated, the procedure chosen and whether you select a quiet appointment outside peak times. We publish prices at booking and confirm any extra charges before treatment. If you hold private medical insurance, tell us before your appointment so we can advise whether your policy is likely to cover microsuction or impartial hearing aid advice, and we will provide a receipt suitable for submission to your insurer.

How to pay and concessions

We accept card payments at the clinic and online prepayment when required. Reduced rates or concessions may be available in certain circumstances; speak to reception about eligibility. For NHS patients facing long waits, a private appointment can be a quicker solution to a blocked ear or hearing concern, and we are transparent about costs so you can choose whether to proceed with private care.

Microsuction compared with ear syringing

Many GP surgeries in Oxford have stopped offering ear syringing, in part because of funding pressures but also because syringing is less safe than microsuction. Possible complications from syringing or irrigation include infection, hearing loss, tinnitus, perforated eardrum and deeper impaction of wax. With these risks in mind, more people are choosing microsuction ear wax removal. Unfortunately, demand has risen so much that NHS microsuction clinics often have waiting times of two to three months.

You no longer have to wait months for microsuction. Consider a private appointment — it is more affordable than many expect. Simply use our booking page and you may have your wax cleared within days.

Safety, training and governance

Who carries out procedures

All ear wax removal and hearing assessments at Hearing First Oxford are performed by qualified audiologists trained in ear anatomy, infection control and microsuction techniques. Audiologist-led care reduces complication risk and ensures clinical decisions are based on diagnostic findings and recognised protocols. Practitioners complete regular continuing professional development and clinical audit, and the clinic follows infection prevention standards including instrument sterilisation and single-use disposables where appropriate.

How we assure quality

We maintain comprehensive patient records, use outcome measures to review procedures and follow a clear escalation pathway for unexpected complications. Our governance includes peer review, patient feedback collection and routine equipment calibration. This framework supports safe, impartial care for hearing tests, ear wax removal and hearing aid consultations, and ensures low-noise appointments are delivered within clinical best practice.

Patient safety advice

If you experience unexpected pain, dizziness or bleeding after a procedure, contact the clinic immediately; details are on your discharge sheet and we will arrange a prompt review or referral as clinically required.

Parking

There is ample on-site parking for patients at the clinic.

Frequently asked questions about quiet appointments

Answers to common queries

1. Will a quiet visit cost more? Quiet appointments may be offered at off-peak times; pricing is shown at booking and we aim to be transparent so you know whether a small premium applies for a reduced-stimulation environment.
2. Can I bring a carer or support worker? Yes, carers, family members or communication support workers are welcome; please tell us at booking so we can reserve an appropriate low-noise slot and seating.
3. How long does a quiet appointment last? Quiet slots are usually a little longer than standard appointments to allow time for explanation, careful assessment and any required microsuction, typically between 25 and 45 minutes depending on clinical need.
4. Do I need a GP referral? No, you can self-refer for private ear wax removal and hearing tests; if the audiologist identifies a condition needing ENT assessment, we will advise on referrals and provide a detailed clinical summary for your GP if you wish.
5. Is microsuction painful? Most patients describe mild pressure rather than pain; the audiologist works under direct vision and pauses if you feel uncomfortable, offering reassurance throughout.

If you have more questions not covered here, contact us by phone or via the booking page and reception will provide up-to-date answers tailored to your situation.

Safe, comfortable ear wax removal with an audiologist near you

Your ears and hearing deserve specialist care. Some providers delegate ear wax removal to non-clinical staff, treating it as routine. We believe the procedure should be carried out by a trained Audiologist.

At Hearing First Oxford, only qualified Audiologists perform ear wax removal, bringing clinical knowledge of ear anatomy and physiology to minimise risk and ensure safe, effective care. Your hearing is too important to leave to chance, and we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care.

Contact details and location

Hearing First Oxford is at 45 Raleigh Park Road, Raleigh Park Clinic, Oxford OX2 9AR. The clinic is easily accessed from the A34 and offers free on-site parking including a disabled bay directly outside the entrance. For bookings and enquiries call +448001337987 or use the online booking page for ear wax removal and hearing tests; you can request quiet time slots when reserving. Reception will email confirmation with directions, parking notes and any preparation advice for your procedure.

Getting here

Public transport options include local buses that stop near Botley or North Hinksey; by car, follow Westminster Way towards Raleigh Park and enter the gravel car park next to the clinic. Please indicate any access needs when booking so we can hold a close parking space and meet you at the door if required. We aim to make the whole visit—from arrival to departure—calm and accessible.

Follow-up care and hearing support after a quiet visit

After a quiet appointment we provide clear written advice on ear hygiene, signs of infection to watch for and how to manage temporary symptoms such as tinnitus or residual fullness. If you had a hearing test, the audiologist will explain the results, suggest follow-up and, if appropriate, offer impartial hearing aid advice tailored to your lifestyle. Aftercare includes scheduled reviews, phone check-ups and written guidance so patients feel confident managing ear health and hearing devices.

Ongoing support options

We can schedule follow-up low-noise reviews, advise on ear protection for noisy environments and help you access local communication support services. For hearing aid users we provide fitting adjustments, recharge and connectivity troubleshooting, and a clear long-term aftercare plan that follows clinical best practice and your preferences.

Hearing First Oxford – Microsuction Ear Wax Removal OX2 map

Why choose a small, low-noise independent clinic

Choosing an independent, audiologist-led clinic for a quiet appointment means impartial clinical advice without manufacturer ownership or sales pressure. Our clinicians focus on clinical outcomes and patient-centred care, recommending treatments and devices that match your hearing profile and lifestyle. Quiet appointments support more accurate testing and calmer consultations, which improves shared decision-making about options such as microsuction ear wax removal, manual instrumentation or hearing aids including rechargeable, invisible and smartphone-compatible models.

What makes us different

We combine specialist training, clear governance and a commitment to accessible, low-noise care. Our Waxfree Guarantee and patient feedback processes show our confidence in the quality of service at our Oxford clinic. To book a quiet slot, contact the team and explain your needs so we can make suitable arrangements and ensure a calm, effective visit.