Data Privacy At Hearing First Surbiton

Guide Refreshed: 31st Jul 2026 at 4:34pm

Waxfree Guarantee™: We are the only clinic in Surbiton that offers the Waxfree Guarantee™, a named assurance specific to our ear wax services.

We operate as the specialist microsuction ear wax removal service in Surbiton, delivering Microsuction Earwax Removal and Manual Instrument Earwax Removal performed by experienced Audiologists selected by our founder, Jason Levy. Our practitioners are chosen for their audiological expertise, and we concentrate on safe, professional earcare.

Our Surbiton clinic, in Southwest London, also accepts patients from nearby areas including Kingston-Upon-Thames, Tolworth, Thames Ditton, East Molesey, West Molesey, Hersham, Claygate, Chessington, Hampton Wick, New Malden, Norbiton, Worcester Park, Bushey Park, Teddington, Twickenham, Sunbury-on-Thames, Cobham, Oxshott, Stoke D’Abernon, Stoneleigh, Ewell, Epsom, Leatherhead and Feltham, providing convenient access to audiology and ear wax services for the wider local community.

How We Protect Your Personal Information at Hearing First, Surbiton

Patient confidentiality is treated as a fundamental clinical obligation at our clinic. The following section describes the kinds of personal data we collect, the safeguards in place to protect it, and the operational steps we take to keep clinical records confidential. We aim to combine useful patient communications, such as appointment reminders, with stringent measures so that medical records are accessible only to authorised personnel. The clinic acts as data controller for clinical and booking records, and we adhere to UK data protection requirements, including GDPR-derived principles, when processing any identifiable health information. Data collection is limited to what is necessary for safe care and audit, and retention practices are reviewed regularly to reduce unnecessary storage and risk.

We record the lawful basis for processing each category of data and maintain access logs for patient files to uphold accountability. Staff participate in regular training on confidentiality, secure handling of sensitive health information and appropriate disposal of records. Technical protections include access controls, encrypted backups and role-based permissions. If you prefer a printable copy of our privacy notice, we can supply one on request. Related terms used here, such as personal data, GDPR and data controller, are integrated into plain-language explanations to help you decide what information to share with us.

What Types of Personal Data We Collect

We routinely record identifiers, for example names and dates of birth, together with clinical details such as ear examination notes, audiometric results, treatment entries and consent records. Administrative information, including appointment histories, payment receipts and correspondence, is retained to support continuity of care. Health information is treated as special category data and is subject to enhanced safeguards and restricted access. Where appropriate, we may also hold emergency contact details and GP information to assist continuity and coordination of care. We do not retain unnecessary payment details; when card payment is necessary, a secure payment provider is used so the clinic does not store card numbers.

Why We Process Patient Data and the Legal Basis

We process personal information for explicit healthcare reasons: to carry out clinical assessments, perform ear wax removal, conduct hearing tests, fit hearing aids where required and provide aftercare. Processing is needed to deliver care, maintain accurate clinical records, enable billing and to meet legal duties such as safeguarding and clinical governance. We do not use patient data for unrelated commercial profiling. Each processing activity is linked to an appropriate lawful basis, commonly the performance of a contract, fulfilment of a legal obligation or legitimate interests, and for health data we rely on clinical necessity and explicit medical purposes.

At the point we collect information you will be told why it is required and which lawful basis applies. We keep processing transparent and describe it in our privacy notice and internal documentation so regulators or auditors can follow decisions and assigned responsibilities. Our approach is to minimise data collection and to retain information only for as long as it remains clinically or legally necessary.

Lawful Bases Under Gdpr

For routine clinical care the principal lawful basis is that processing is necessary to provide healthcare services and for performance of a contract. We also process certain data to discharge legal obligations, such as statutory reporting, and we may rely on legitimate interests for limited administrative tasks that do not intrude on privacy, always applying a balancing test. Where aggregation is useful for audits, we pseudonymise datasets to protect identities and reduce disclosure risk.

Consent and Explicit Medical Consent

When a procedure or particular communication depends on consent, we obtain informed, explicit consent and record it in the clinical record. Consent acts as the lawful basis for specific processing activities; you may withdraw consent at any time. Withdrawal does not affect processing carried out lawfully while consent was in place, and if continued processing is required for your care we will identify an alternative lawful basis.

Tip for Withdrawing Consent

If you wish to withdraw consent, contact the clinic in writing or by email; we will confirm receipt and explain any implications for ongoing care. Withdrawal will not retrospectively invalidate processing that was lawful at the time it occurred.

Clarification

Withdrawing consent does not automatically remove clinical notes that must be retained to preserve an accurate medical record where legal or clinical governance obligations apply, for example to support future safe care or to defend against legal claims.

Services We Provide Locally

• Impartial Hearing Aid Advice, Supply, Fitting and Aftercare: We are independent and not part-owned by any hearing aid manufacturer, enabling unbiased recommendations and support for invisible, rechargeable, Bluetooth and iPhone‑compatible digital hearing aids.
• Microsuction Ear Wax Removal
• Hearing Tests: We carry out diagnostic hearing tests and explain the results clearly, without tying you to sales-led recommendations by providing impartial interpretation of findings.
• Under 18 Microsuction Ear Wax Removal: Microsuction for ages 12–17 is available when a parent or guardian accompanies the young person.
• Manual Instrument Ear Wax Removal

Professional ear wax removal Surbiton Audiologists practise from Back 2 Well-Being health clinic, with free on-street parking nearby. We are the only ear wax removal clinic in Surbiton to offer The Hearing First Waxfree Guarantee™, so if you have a blocked ear, consider booking at our ear wax removal Surbiton clinic for specialist care.

Your Data Subject Rights Under UK Law

As a patient at Hearing First, Surbiton you have statutory rights intended to give you meaningful control over the personal data we hold. These rights include obtaining access to your records, requesting correction of inaccuracies, seeking deletion in defined situations, asking for restriction of processing, objecting to certain processing activities and, where relevant, requesting data portability. Exercising these rights supports accuracy, accountability and alignment with your expectations. We respond to legitimate requests promptly and explain any limits to rights where legal exemptions apply.

It is helpful to distinguish between a subject access request, a correction request and an erasure request. Some clinical records must be retained for regulatory or legal reasons, so erasure can be constrained where retention is necessary for safe care. If a request is complex we will explain a reasonable timeframe for response, ordinarily within one month, and inform you if additional time is needed under permitted circumstances.

How to Exercise Your Rights

1. Right to object: object to processing based on legitimate interests for non-clinical purposes, and we will stop such processing unless we can show compelling legitimate grounds to continue.
2. Restriction of processing: request that processing is limited while disputes about accuracy or lawfulness are resolved, in which case we will retain the data securely but restrict further uses.
3. Subject access request: request a copy of personal and clinical information, and we will supply it securely, usually within one month, unless the request is complex or subject to lawful exemptions.
4. Right to rectification: ask for correction of incorrect or incomplete clinical notes; we will annotate records, make necessary amendments and notify third parties who received the inaccurate information when appropriate.
5. Right to erasure: request deletion of personal data where there is no overriding legal or clinical reason to retain it; each request is assessed against our retention policy and safety obligations.
6. Data portability: where applicable, request transfer of personal data in a commonly used, machine-readable format for transmission to another provider.
7. Right to complain: if you consider your rights have been mishandled, contact our Data Protection Officer or make a formal complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

What Does Ear Wax Removal in Surbiton Cost?

Ear wax removal in Surbiton starts at £34. Pricing may vary depending on whether one or two ears are treated, whether the appointment is during peak or off-peak hours, and the lead time before the booking.

28 Interesting Facts About Surbiton

1. Surbiton’s Historic Churches: Surbiton is home to several historic churches, including St Andrew's Church, which dates back to the 12th century and showcases beautiful Gothic architecture.
2. The Surbiton War Memorial: Surbiton features a notable war memorial located in Claremont Gardens, commemorating local soldiers who served in both World Wars.
3. Surbiton’s Green Spaces: Surbiton is surrounded by several parks, including Fishponds Park, which offers recreational facilities and scenic walking paths for residents and visitors.
4. The Surbiton Arts Festival: Surbiton hosts an annual arts festival that celebrates local talent through exhibitions, performances, and workshops, fostering community engagement in the arts.
5. Surbiton’s Transport Links: Surbiton is well-connected by public transport, with frequent train services to London Waterloo, making it a convenient commuting hub.
6. The Surbiton Clock Tower: A distinctive feature of Surbiton is its clock tower, which stands as a landmark and a reminder of the area’s rich history.
7. Surbiton’s Community Spirit: Surbiton is known for its strong community spirit, with numerous local events and initiatives that bring residents together throughout the year.
8. Surbiton’s Historic Railway Bridge: The historic railway bridge in Surbiton, built in the 19th century, is an architectural landmark that highlights the area’s transport heritage.
9. Surbiton’s Local History Society: The Surbiton Local History Society actively preserves and promotes the history of the area through events, talks, and publications.
10. Surbiton’s Local Art Scene: Surbiton has a thriving local art scene, with galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists and artisans.
11. Surbiton’s Royal Roots
    Surbiton was once part of the ancient Royal Manor of Kingston, and today Surbiton still proudly retains echoes of its regal connections through its historic streets.
12. Surbiton Station’s Victorian Grandeur
    Surbiton Station, built in 1937, is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture, making Surbiton one of the most stylish suburban rail hubs in Greater London.
13. Surbiton in Popular Culture
    Surbiton was immortalised in British television with the sitcom “The Good Life,” where the show’s suburban setting drew direct inspiration from the real Surbiton streets.
14. Surbiton’s Hidden Riverside Walks
    Though known for its town centre, Surbiton also offers beautiful hidden riverside walks along the Thames, giving Surbiton residents secret spots for peaceful strolls.
15. Ear Wax Removal in Surbiton
    Ear wax removal is available from the experts at Hearing First Surbiton on Mondays in Therapy Spaces on St James’ Road, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Surbiton station. Click here to book now.
16. The Surbiton Lagoon
    In the mid-20th century, Surbiton was home to an outdoor swimming haven known as Surbiton Lagoon, once a hugely popular destination for summer fun in Surbiton.
17. Surbiton’s Medieval Market Past
    Long before its suburban boom, Surbiton was a rural hamlet with ties to Kingston’s medieval market economy, showing that Surbiton’s trading spirit goes back centuries.
18. Surbiton’s Remarkable Rail Impact
    Surbiton’s rapid Victorian expansion was fuelled by its railway, and Surbiton became a model for how the railways could transform sleepy villages into thriving commuter towns.
19. The Surbiton Trophy
    Surbiton hosts a prestigious annual tennis event, the Surbiton Trophy, attracting international players and adding a touch of sporting prestige to Surbiton’s lively calendar.
20. Surbiton’s Quirky Roundabout
    Claremont Gardens in Surbiton is a rare green roundabout with landscaped gardens, giving Surbiton drivers and pedestrians an unexpected glimpse of nature in the middle of town.
21. Surbiton’s Secret WWII Connections
    During World War II, Surbiton played a quiet but important role, with local buildings used for military planning and Surbiton residents supporting the home front effort.
22. Surbiton’s River Thames Access
    Despite being a suburban hub, Surbiton offers direct access to beautiful stretches of the Thames, giving Surbiton a prized blend of town living and riverside serenity.
23. The Surbiton Farmers’ Market
    Today, Surbiton’s monthly farmers’ market draws huge crowds, showcasing the best of local produce and continuing Surbiton’s centuries-old love of community trade and food.
24. Surbiton’s Literary Inspiration
    Surbiton has inspired numerous writers over the years, with its quirky blend of suburban life and green spaces helping shape characters and settings in classic British literature.
25. Surbiton’s Victorian Villas
    Surbiton is full of grand Victorian villas, making a walk through Surbiton feel like stepping into a time when London’s suburbs represented elegance and status.
26. The Surbiton Ski Club
    In an unexpected twist, Surbiton was once home to a dry ski slope and club, proving that Surbiton’s residents always had a flair for adventurous hobbies close to home.
27. Surbiton’s Architectural Diversity
    Surbiton boasts an incredible mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and modernist architecture, making Surbiton one of London’s most visually eclectic suburban areas.
28. The Surbiton Flyer
    Fast trains known as the “Surbiton Flyers” became famous for whisking commuters from Surbiton to London in record time, boosting Surbiton’s popularity with city workers.

Security, Storage Systems and Retention Periods

We use a layered security approach to protect both clinical and administrative records. Physical safeguards include locked storage, controlled clinic access and secure disposal of paper records. Technical measures consist of enforced password policies, role-based access controls, encrypted storage and routine backups kept off-site. Suppliers of IT and cloud services are assessed for security and contractual compliance before any data transfer. We perform periodic security reviews and penetration testing, and maintain an incident response plan to limit harm if an event occurs.

Retention decisions are determined by clinical need, statutory obligations and professional guidance. Certain records are retained for longer periods where professional regulation, safeguarding or medico-legal considerations apply; data is deleted or anonymised when ongoing retention is no longer justified. Terms used here such as encryption, pseudonymisation and retention policy are included to explain how we reduce risk and protect patient confidentiality.

How We Store and Protect Records

Record type	Typical retention period
Financial and billing records	Usually retained for 6 years to satisfy legal and tax obligations
Consent forms and procedural records	Retained for the same period as clinical notes, reviewed periodically for relevance
Routine clinical notes and audiograms	Minimum 8 years for adults, longer where clinically necessary or if subject to legal holds

Audit, Breach Response and Review

We keep audit logs to record who has accessed records and carry out regular reviews of security arrangements. If a breach is suspected we activate a defined response process covering containment, assessment and notification to affected individuals and regulators where required. Lessons from incidents are used to update policies and staff training to reduce the risk of recurrence.

How We Share Information with Third Parties and Processors

We sometimes share information with third parties to facilitate care, for example laboratories, hearing-aid suppliers, GP practices or external specialists when referrals are appropriate. Any third-party processor we engage is contractually required to act only on our instructions, to secure records and to maintain equivalent technical and organisational safeguards. Before transfers occur we undertake due diligence and require written assurances covering confidentiality, security and breach reporting procedures.

We do not sell personal data. When international transfers are necessary we apply appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses and only transfer to countries with adequate protections, or where extra contractual protections exist. Our priority is to minimise exposure while ensuring continuity of clinical care without compromising privacy.

Who We May Share With

• Clinical auditors and accreditation bodies, where aggregated or pseudonymised datasets are shared for quality assurance and service improvement, with personal identifiers removed where possible.
• Legal authorities or regulators, if required by law, court order or professional regulatory obligation, sharing only the specific information requested for those statutory purposes.
• Third-party suppliers such as hearing-aid manufacturers or fitting software providers, under data-processor agreements that limit purposes and require security controls and breach notification.
• Specialist clinicians or audiology services, when referrals are made for further investigation or treatment, always under patient consent or clinical necessity.
• Insurance companies, where a claim requires clinical evidence, sharing only the necessary details in line with the patient’s consent.
• NHS and GP services, when required for continuity of care, transferring only the minimum clinical information necessary using secure protocols to support diagnosis and treatment.

Safe, Comfortable Ear Wax Removal by an Audiologist Near You

Your ears and hearing are delicate, and their management is best entrusted to specialist clinicians. Some providers delegate ear wax removal to non-clinical staff, treating it as a routine task. We consider this procedure to require the training and judgement of a qualified Audiologist.

At our Surbiton clinic, ear wax removal is carried out only by qualified Audiologists, ensuring care is delivered by professionals with detailed understanding of ear anatomy and auditory function. This approach reduces the risk of injury and supports a safe, effective procedure tailored to individual needs. We are committed to delivering high clinical standards for your hearing health.

Hearing First Surbiton – Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Kingston Kt6 Map

Cookies, Complaints and Contacting Our Data Protection Team

Our website uses cookies to provide essential site functions, support appointment booking and gather analytics. Cookies do not contain clinical information; they are used to enhance user experience and improve site performance. You can manage cookie settings through your browser or the site preferences, and a concise privacy note on the booking pages explains the cookies in use. We do not employ cookies to profile patients for commercial targeting.

If you have concerns about how we have processed your personal data, please contact our Data Protection Officer in writing. We aim to acknowledge complaints promptly and resolve them within a reasonable period. If we cannot reach a satisfactory outcome internally, you may refer the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office for independent review. We treat complaints seriously and use them to strengthen privacy practice.

Complaints and Next Steps

If you believe your privacy rights have been breached, write to our Data Protection Officer with details of the incident, the data involved and any supporting evidence. We will investigate, provide an explanation of our findings and take corrective action where appropriate, including notifying regulators when required.