Launceston & Looe · Microsuction · Water Irrigation
Microsuction & warm water irrigation by George Mustoe — at the Launceston clinic (Mon–Wed + Sat) or the Looe sister clinic on the Cornish coast (Thu & Fri). Same hands either side of the border.
Free ear-wax check (normally £20) — free if no wax is found.
The Launceston Ear Care promise
“Every appointment is with me personally. No rotating staff — just me, my equipment, and your ears.”
— George Mustoe, Ear Care Practitioner
Trained, certified, accountable
Microsuction is a medical procedure — your practitioner's credentials matter. Here's the full set, on every visit:
Hover for the full name of each.
★ Certificates on display at the clinic
Meet the practitioner
I’m George Mustoe — a civil engineer by training, who spent a few years in New Zealand discovering a passion for ear care. Now back in the UK with formal Microsuction qualifications, I run Launceston Ear Care from JL Podiatry Clinic on Launceston’s high street.
Every appointment is with George personally — no rotating staff, no agency clinicians. Trained in microsuction in New Zealand and accredited in the UK with seven recognised qualifications, he takes time to explain what's happening, why, and what to expect afterwards.
George also runs Looe Ear Care — our sister clinic on the Cornish coast (Thu & Fri). Different town, same practitioner.
What we do
Microsuction is the gold standard. The other three services support it — chosen at booking, or recommended at the free check.
The gold-standard ear wax removal method. Gentle suction under medical loupes — no water, no syringing.
Ear health assessment and treatment.
Normally £20 — free if no wax is found.
Gently pulsed warm water using a specialist irrigation machine — never a syringe. The safer option when softened wax sits against the eardrum.
Book thisBespoke ear impressions taken in-clinic — used for hearing protection, swimming plugs and audio-monitor moulds.
Book thisSoft custom-fit plugs for swimming, sleep and travel. Available from your impression appointment.
Book thisHow it works
George recommends one or the other after examining you — both follow BSA and NICE guidelines. Every appointment starts with a chat, both ears examined, treatment plan you agree to.
Gold standard
You're seated in an ergonomic chair. George uses Voretek Head Loupes — the same ENT-grade magnification glasses used by hospital ear surgeons — and gently places a small speculum (funnel) inside your ear for a clear view of the canal. A fine tube connected to a suction machine then lifts the wax out, with strength controlled both at the machine and by George's fingers on the line.
Silence as the tube seals against soft wax, a pop as a piece is drawn up, or a faint squeal when dry wax vibrates. George swaps to a finer tip if squealing persists. Brief cooling sensation from the air is normal — it doesn't harm your hearing.
Right for you if: you can't wait days for drops to work · grommets · perforated eardrum · post-surgery ears · same-day relief needed.
For softened wax
A specialist ear irrigation machine — not a syringe gently pulses warm water into the canal through a fine nozzle, while you hold a small Noot collection cup under your ear. Wax dislodges and flows out into the cup. George stops frequently to check the wax position with an otoscope. Once the canal is clear, he dries it and does a final check on canal and eardrum health.
Often an immediate hearing improvement. Mild discomfort, soreness or dizziness for a few minutes is normal — passes quickly. Don't put anything in your ears, and keep them dry for a day or two.
Right for you if: wax is soft and sitting against the eardrum · you've been using drops · no infection or perforation.
Not sure which one you need? Book a free ear-wax check — George examines both ears with an otoscope first, then recommends the safer of the two for your specific situation. You decide before anything starts.
Beyond ear-wax removal
3D impressions taken at the clinic, custom plugs back in 10–14 days. Properly fitted — no leaks, no pressure points, no one-size-nothing-fits.
Water-tight custom plugs with a sound filter — keeps water out without sealing you off from voices around you.
Surfers · swimmers · open-water · grommets · RNLI crews
Super-soft medical-grade silicone plugs for sleep — block noise comfortably without waking up with sore ears.
Snorers' partners · shift workers · light sleepers
Acoustic-filtered plugs that lower volume evenly without muffling speech or music — preserves sound quality.
Musicians · DJs · gig-goers · stage crew
Custom-fitted moulds for existing hearing aids — reduces feedback whistle and improves comfort.
Hearing aid wearers · audiology referrals
Step 1 · Impression appointment
Includes ear health check + video otoscopy. 30 minutes at either clinic — Launceston or our Looe sister clinic. Plugs delivered to you in 10–14 days.
What patients say
Real reviews from real patients, copied verbatim from our Facebook page.
[ALAN-FB-REVIEW-VERBATIM-TBC] — verbatim FB recommendation, captured at content review.
[SHERRILLE-FB-REVIEW-VERBATIM-TBC] — verbatim FB recommendation, captured at content review.
[HAPPY-FB-REVIEW-VERBATIM-TBC] — verbatim FB recommendation (display name as published), captured at content review.
More reviews coming as the practice grows.
Where we serve
Clinic appointments at Launceston plus home visits across the wider area. Looe-coast patients — head to our sister clinic.
★ Launceston catchment
Catchment villages: Lifton · Lewannick · South Petherwin · Altarnun · Callington · Egloskerry · North Hill — plus home visits across the wider area.
Live elsewhere in West Devon / North Cornwall? Call to check — we'll do our best.
For those who can't make it to the clinic
Wax build-up can significantly impact hearing — often leading to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from social interaction. That's why George offers a professional home visit service, bringing safe, effective ear care directly to those who are housebound.
His goal is to help restore comfort, confidence, and connection through expert treatment in the safety and convenience of your home.
Home visits run across the Launceston catchment and surrounding villages. To arrange one, please call or email rather than booking online — so George can confirm distance, timing, and what to expect.
Common questions
If your question isn't here, just call — happy to walk you through what to expect.
Patient info
The forms and guides George hands out at the clinic — download ahead of your appointment, or keep them for reference after.
Print and complete before your appointment to save time on the day.
PDF · 192 KB
Download PDFWhat to expect, aftercare instructions and when to seek help — for the 48 hours after microsuction.
PDF · 173 KB
Download PDFOlive-oil routine for the seven days before your appointment — softens wax so removal is gentler.
PDF · 77 KB
Download PDFGet in touch
Quickest route: book online and pick a time. Or call — happy to talk through what to expect.