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Let's see what is available over-the-counter to get rid of ear wax.

Pharmacist

WARNING: Before getting rid of ear wax yourself, you must make sure you do not have a perforated (punctured) eardrum. This can lead to middle ear infection.

If you are not sure, then seek doctor visit to get rid of the ear wax.

The goal of over-the-counter ear wax removal drops is to gradually soften the wax allowing you to flush it out with water using an ear syringe.

Let's take a look at what can achieve this objective by answering a few questions.

 


Should you do this yourself or wait for your next doctor office visit?
Pharmacist

In some situations, it may be better for you to wait till your next doctor's appointment or physical to have a healthcare professional take out this earwax.

Let's see if this should be the case with you.

 

Are you looking for a one time process of removing ear wax?
Pharmacist

May be you just want to get it over with.

 

Yes?
Then seek doctor office visit.
Pharmacist

Or visit a retail clinic  at some pharmacies.

Over-the-counter ear drops  gradually soften the ear wax over time allowing you to wash it out or it would come out on its own gradually.

This may take up to a week or more for results.

 

Would you say your ear is completely blocked?
Pharmacist

Assuming you can hardly hear through the affected ear.

 

Yes?
Seek doctor office visit or retail clinic visit.
Pharmacist

There is a possibility of getting the wax deeper into the ear as it is being softened by the over-the-counter soften agents.

This will clog the ear canal and hearing will be muffled for days if not weeks.

For instance, if the ear wax is soft, softening it some more may make it smear the ear canal leading to hearing problems.

It is better to visit urgent care to get rid of the ear wax, then use over-the-counter ear drops to keep the wax out.

 

Is this wax large and soft or hard?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Seek doctor office or retail clinic visit.
Pharmacist

There is a possibility of getting the wax deeper into the ear as it is being softened by the over-the-counter soften agents.

This will clog the ear canal and hearing will be muffled for days if not weeks.

For instance, if the ear wax is soft, softening it some more may make it smear the ear canal leading to hearing problems.

It is better to visit urgent care to get rid of the ear wax, then use over-the-counter ear drops to keep the wax out.

 

Like to know what is available over the counter to soften the wax?
Pharmacist

This assumes:

  • Your ear is not completely blocked.
  • Wax is not too large.
  • Wax is not too hard or soft.
  • No other ear problems.

 

Yes?
You will need an ear drop with carbamide peroxide.
Pharmacist

This helps soften the ear wax allowing it to drain naturally from the ear or you can flush it out with warm water once softened.

But you have to use it twice a day for up to 4 days or more

Why don't I just use hydrogen peroxide? You would ask.

Well, let's take a look....

 

Is the ear wax hard and bigger than average?
Pharmacist

 

Yes?
Stay away from peroxide.
Pharmacist

It can sip past the hard wax, and form a bubbling and expanding action against the ear drum leading to irritation of the ear drum.

This will cause you severe pain.

Hydrogen peroxide does not dissolve ear wax.

 


Discuss other things to use such as glycerin, olive oil mix with peroxide
Pharmacist

Then close after adding some further discussions

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 09/11/2014 at 06:47:pm

 

 

Yes?
Pharmacist

 


Discuss other things to use such as glycerin, olive oil mix with peroxide
Pharmacist

Then close after adding some further discussions

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 09/11/2014 at 06:47:pm

 

 

Yes?
Pharmacist

 

Discuss other things to use such as glycerin, olive oil mix with peroxide
Pharmacist

Then close after adding some further discussions

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 09/11/2014 at 06:47:pm

 

 

Yes?
Pharmacist

 


Discuss other things to use such as glycerin, olive oil mix with peroxide
Pharmacist

Then close after adding some further discussions

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 09/11/2014 at 06:47:pm

 

 

Yes?
Pharmacist

 


Discuss other things to use such as glycerin, olive oil mix with peroxide
Pharmacist

Then close after adding some further discussions

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 09/11/2014 at 06:47:pm

 

 

Yes?
Pharmacist

 


Discuss other things to use such as glycerin, olive oil mix with peroxide
Pharmacist

Then close after adding some further discussions

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 09/11/2014 at 06:47:pm

 

 

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
Article photo

Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
  • The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
    Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
  • Please read the policies and terms of use for self-care OTC, selfcarepharmacist.com and it's affiliates by clicking on the button below.

 

 

 

 

 

What if you are currently experiencing the conditions listed below?

Or if you have a question for the pharmacist?
Pharmacist


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