Cerumenolytics

What are Cerumenolytics?

Cerumenolytics are agents that soften hardened cerumen (earwax) and make it easier for it to be removed from the ear. They are softening agents, which include types of oil, emulsifying agents, glycerin and other lubricating substances. Cerumenolytics are placed into the ears to soften earwax and ease discomfort.

A cerumenolytic is an ear wax (cerumen) softening agent. Common cerumenolytics such as hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide – urea (also called carbamide peroxide) are topical preparations used to facilitate the removal of ear wax.

Cerumenolytics are agents that soften hardened cerumen (earwax) and make it easier for it to be removed from the ear. They are softening agents, which include types of oil, emulsifying agents, glycerin and other lubricating substances. Cerumenolytics are placed into the ears to soften earwax and ease discomfort.

Olive oil is readily available in the home environment and is still commonly used for treating impacted cerumen. In our study, oil-based agents, especially olive oil, were ineffective cerumenolytics.

The diagnosis is made based on physical examination, where cerumen, partially or completely, obstructs the view of the tympanic membrane. Cerumen removal through an operative otoscope or topical cerumenolytics can used be as an initial treatment.

Earwax is a waxy substance that everyone has in their ears. Glands in your ear canals produce earwax to protect the skin inside your ears and provide protection against germs. The medical term for earwax is “cerumen” (pronounced “seh-RUH-muhn”).

The test tube containing distilled water as a control was found to be most effective and fastest in completely disintegrating the wax. This was closely followed by sodium bicarbonate. In contrast, the organic products, namely urea-hydrogen peroxide complex 5% in glycerol showed very little cerumenolytic effect.