The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7326 p737
20 November 2004

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Earwax treatments are equally effective

Oil-based and water-based preparations are equally effective at clearing earwax and for softening earwax before syringing, a systematic review has indicated. The study also found no major advantages for one preparation over others.

Application of water-based or oil-based preparations 15 to 30 minutes before syringing was reported to soften the wax as effectively as using drops for several days before. But the researchers argue that while immediate syringing is effective at clearing earwax, it may be more cost-effective to delay syringing and use a topical treatment first. This might result in avoiding syringing altogether.

Non-water-, -non-oil-based preparations were described as “promising” for clearing earwax and facilitating syringing, but more studies were needed to confirm these results (British Journal of General Practice 2004; 54:862).