Ms Benton, a Skipton-based audiologist, said while training courses could teach earwax removal, the real risk lay in providers lacking the medical knowledge to identify underlying issues.
Before the NHS scaled back free provision, patients were able to access earwax removal services usually through their local GP.
Ms Benton said waiting lists had since increased drastically.
“I see patients that are distraught because their ears are blocked or they can’t go and have a hearing test because the hospital won’t see them until they’ve had the wax taken out or their hearing aids keep blocking,” she said.
“One of my patients came to see me, saying that their GP had told them that they refused to do it because it was a cosmetic issue – it’s not a cosmetic issue at all.”
She said growing concerns around patient safety had led to the formation of the National Aural Care Strategy Group, which aims to introduce fair and consistent regulation for professionals and set minimum training standards to ensure safe practice.