02/11/2025
Advice on the Use of Ear Drops for Wax Removal
Many people are advised to use ear drops for several days before having ear wax removed. This advice is largely based on a single study suggesting that using softening drops for around five days can help make wax removal easier. However, in practice, this approach doesn’t always work well for everyone.
In my experience, ear drops can sometimes make the wax very soft and slushy. When this happens, it can actually make the removal process longer and more difficult. During microsuction, for example, the suction probe works best when it can grip onto a more solid piece of wax and remove it cleanly. If the wax has been overly softened by drops, it can break apart, leaving residue that takes longer to clear — and in some cases, may even require irrigation to fully remove.
My Advice
If you feel your wax is already quite wet and sticky then avoid using drops, but if your wax is very dry and hard then definately use drops before any appointments. This advice is based purely on my own experiences, please seek medical advice if you are unsure what to do.
