Earwax drops are a common over-the-counter option for managing earwax buildup, which can lead to blockages. These solutions help alleviate discomfort and hearing issues caused by excessive cerumen accumulation. They offer a convenient initial approach for addressing minor earwax concerns.
The Role of Earwax
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance produced by specialized glands within the ear canal. This waxy material protects the ear, acting as a natural barrier against dust, debris, and foreign particles. It also lubricates the delicate skin of the ear canal, preventing dryness and itching. Cerumen possesses antimicrobial properties, defending against certain bacterial and fungal infections.
Normally, the ear has a self-cleaning mechanism where jaw movements, such as chewing and talking, help move older earwax, trapped debris, and dead skin cells out of the ear canal. However, this natural process can be hindered, leading to excessive accumulation. When cerumen builds up, it can cause symptoms such as fullness, reduced hearing, earache, or tinnitus, requiring removal.
How Earwax Drops Break Down Wax
Earwax drops employ various mechanisms to soften, break down, or facilitate the removal of accumulated cerumen. One common active ingredient is carbamide peroxide, which releases oxygen upon contact with earwax. This creates a bubbling or foaming action, physically loosening and breaking apart hardened wax. This mechanical action helps dislodge the cerumen, making it easier to exit the ear canal.
Hydrogen peroxide functions similarly, producing oxygen bubbles that soften and break down earwax. This effervescent effect disrupts the wax’s structure, preparing it for expulsion. Both carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are cerumenolytic agents, meaning they disintegrate wax.
Oil-based drops, such as mineral oil or olive oil, work as emollients. These oils penetrate and lubricate hardened earwax, softening its consistency without directly dissolving it. The softened wax can then more easily migrate out of the ear canal through natural jaw movements.
Docusate sodium, a surfactant, reduces the surface tension of earwax, allowing water to penetrate and hydrate it more effectively. This helps break down and soften even thick or hardened cerumen. Some water-based solutions, like sodium bicarbonate, chemically dissolve earwax by altering its pH, effective for softer wax. Saline solutions rehydrate and break apart the sheets of dead skin cells that constitute a major part of earwax plugs.
Proper Application and Safety Precautions
Proper application of earwax drops is important for their effectiveness and to reduce potential risks. Before applying the drops, it is advisable to warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for a few minutes, as cold drops can cause temporary dizziness. The individual should then lie on their side with the affected ear facing upward, allowing the ear canal to be accessible.
The recommended number of drops, typically 5 to 10, should be gently squeezed into the ear canal, taking care not to insert the dropper too deeply. After instillation, remaining in the tilted position for 5 to 10 minutes allows the solution adequate time to work on the earwax. A cotton ball can be placed at the ear opening to prevent the drops from leaking out, though it should not be inserted deeply into the canal.
Several safety precautions are important when considering earwax drops. Do not use these products if there is a suspected perforated eardrum or if ear tubes are present. Using drops in such cases could lead to complications, including infection or damage to the inner ear.
Earwax drops are also not recommended if there is an active ear infection, unexplained ear pain, discharge, bleeding, or a rash in the ear. Individuals who have recently undergone ear surgery should consult a healthcare provider.
What to Do After Using Drops
After applying earwax drops, individuals may experience certain sensations as the solution begins to work. A bubbling or crackling sound, along with a mild tingling, is a common experience, indicating the drops are actively breaking down or softening the wax. Some temporary fullness in the ear or a slight decrease in hearing might also occur as the wax expands before it is removed.
Following the recommended treatment duration, which often ranges from a few days to a week, gentle irrigation of the ear may be necessary to flush out the loosened wax. This can be done using a bulb syringe with warm water, ensuring the water is at body temperature to avoid dizziness. The ear should be tilted to allow the water and dislodged wax to drain out.
If symptoms such as ear pain, persistent hearing loss, or a feeling of blockage do not improve after using earwax drops as directed, or if new symptoms develop, seeking professional medical attention is advisable. A healthcare provider can assess the ear to determine the cause of the persistent issue and recommend alternative or professional earwax removal methods if needed.