Wax solvent ear drops are commonly used to treat ear wax buildup. If used properly, as advised by the ENT doctor, it can help loosen the wax and subsequently cleaned without any discomfort. Many over the counter (OTC) ear drops are available. Earwax drops are oil based and contain chemical agents for dissolving earwax; rarely it can cause allergic reaction.
The above picture of the ear of a patient who came to me with hard wax, I advised him to put Olive oil and asked him to return for suction clearance under operating microscope after one week. He was not very happy with the advice and went to a pharmacy and asked for a “strong” wax solvent. The sales man in the pharmacy gave him some wax solvent commonly used in pets.
The result as you can see-severe allergic reaction and perichondritis. He was admitted and treated with IV antibiotic, anti histamines and steroids.
If you suspect wax in your ear, please visit an ENT doctor.
Commercially or commonly available wax solvents –
Olive oil, almond oil, mineral oil. A solution of sodium bicarbonate in water, or sodium bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate and glycerin),Otorex,Waxolve,Cerumol Cerumenex.
