Methods Of Ear Wax Removal

There are numerous methods of ear wax removal. Some can be performed at home, while others must be performed by a professional. Here we have outlined the different methods and the pros and cons of each one:

Ear Drops

Ear drops can be bought from the chemist over the counter and are the cheapest method of wax removal. Ear drops are commonly marketed as a cheap way of removing earwax at home. For an ordinary member of the public, the choice of different branded and unbranded products can be overwhelming. Here are some of the different types:

Olive oil

Olive oil ear drops are the gentlest type. The olive oil softens the edges and outer surface of the wax and is well-tolerated by most people. Some more expensive versions have added menthol to produce a cooling sensation, or eucalyptus to give a pleasant smell.

• Pros: cheap; gentle; generally well-tolerated; can be used for extended periods
• Cons: can take a long time to work on its own; can make the ear feel bunged up,;added ingredients may not be so well-tolerated

Other Oil Blends

Some proprietary brands contain blends of light oils that soften ear wax.

• Pros: gentle; possibly faster acting than olive oil
• Cons: more expensive than olive oil; wax can sometimes dissolve and slide further down the ear canal, rather than coming out;

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate / bicarbonate of soda ear drops are alkaline, while ear wax is acidic. Therefore they work by chemically dissolving ear wax rather than softening it, and work much quicker than olive oil. They can be used for a day or two by most people without any problem.