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Too much of a good thing
Earwax. We've heard about it, read about it, seen it on TV. It helps prevent infection and traps dirt and grit from traveling into your eardrum. But too much can cause irritation or hearing impairment.
Don't try too hard to get rid of it; overzealous swabbing can cause irritation. But when you really need to remove a buildup of wax from the ears, do it safely. First, soften the wax and then flush it out with a gentle stream of warm water from a handheld rubber ear syringe. The most common ingredient in over-the-counter earwax softening agents is hydrogen peroxide, sometimes in combination with glycerin. It works by releasing fizzy little bubbles of oxygen that dissolve the wax and make it easy to safely flush away.
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Controlling That Waxy Buildup
- Do not use cotton-tipped applicators to remove earwax. Anything you put into your ear may actually push wax further inward instead of removing it. To avoid injury to the eardrum, swab the outside of your ear with a cotton ball instead.
- Do not attempt earwax removal if you are suffering from an earache, drainage, or a perforated eardrum.
- Children under age 12 should not use wax softeners unless specified by a doctor.
- Gentle ear flushing can be done once or twice a day for up to four days.
- Any solution used to cleanse the ear should be at body temperature, so make sure it's not too cold. It is sometimes helpful to hold the medication container in the palm of your hand for a few minutes before use; this warms it up.
- People with impacted mycotic debris and otomycosis should have their ears cleaned by a health professional.
- Do not use a forced water spray such as a Water Pik on your ears. A bulb-type syringe should do just fine.
- If you feel the problem has not subsided after a few days of treatment, consult your doctor.
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Softening agents
Earwax softening agents, such as carbamide peroxide, cleanse the ear canal of wax. The hydrogen peroxide within these solutions releases oxygen bubbles, which help remove accumulated debris and wax. Along with carbamide, an agent that softens and loosens the debris in the ear, this combination is effective for the occasional removal of impacted earwax.
| Softening Agents | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Carbamide peroxide in glycerin | ? | Treatment can be performed once or twice a day for up to four days. Safe and effective. |
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FDA-Approved Uses
For occasional use as an aid to soften, loosen, and remove excessive earwax.
Note: It is NOT used to control pain in the ear
Wash Away Wax- Earwax can be effectively removed with a 6.5% solution of carbamide peroxide in anhydrous glycerin.
- Tilt your head sideways with the affected ear up and insert the appropriate amount of drops.
- Keep your head sideways and allow the solution to remain in the ear for approximately 15 minutes.
- This should not be painful. If you feel pain, consult your physician.
- Tilt your head in the other direction and allow the solution to drain out.
- An ear syringe can be used to help wash out the ear. Never spray water directly into the ear. Instead, direct the syringe towards the ear wall.
- Repeat the process.
- If you do not experience relief after four days, you may have a more serious condition. Consult your physician.
Recommended Dosage
| Carbamide Peroxide | | Drug | Adults & Children Over Age 12 | Max. Daily | Children Ages 6 to 12 | Max. Daily | Children Under Age 6 | Max. Daily |
|---|
| Carbamide Peroxide 6.5% | 5 drops per ear, 2 times per day, for up to 4 days | 10 drops | Not recommended | | Not recommended |
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Warnings
Carbamide peroxide
Consult a physician before use or do not use if you have:
- Ear infection
- Ear pain, rash, drainage problems, discharge, or other irritation
- Perforated eardrum
Or if you:
- Plan to use for more than four days
- Recently had ear surgery
Side Effects
Infrequent or rare side effects of carbamide peroxide may include:Ear Wax Removers Are Not Food
For external use only. If swallowed, immediately seek medical attention.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Government Sources
- 1. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 8/8/86.
Books
- 1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996.
- 2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons.
- 3. Inlander, CB and Slamans, S.The Over-the-Counter Doctor. Cader Books. New York, NY 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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