Ear Care Products

Ear wax (cerumen) is produced naturally by glands in the ear canal to trap dust and debris and keep the skin protected and lubricated. It usually works its way out on its own through jaw movement while talking and chewing. Build-up happens when wax is produced faster than it clears, gets pushed further in by cotton buds or other objects, or when the ear canal is narrower than average, such as with age or regular use of hearing aids or earplugs.

Hardened wax causing a blocked ear can often be softened and cleared at home using ear drops formulated for ear wax removal, such as Otex. Tilt your head so the affected ear faces upward, apply the drops as directed on the packaging, and keep your head tilted for a few minutes so they can work into the wax before wiping away any excess. Avoid using cotton buds, ear picks or other implements to dig wax out, as this can push it further into the ear canal and damage the delicate skin, making the blockage and any future treatment more uncomfortable.

Otex ear drops contain urea hydrogen peroxide (5% w/w), which breaks hardened ear wax down into smaller pieces so it can clear from the ear canal more easily. As the drops work, oxygen is released, which can cause a mild, temporary bubbling or fizzing sensation. This is a normal, expected part of how the treatment works.

Olive oil is a common home remedy that can help lubricate and soften ear wax, but it works differently to a hydrogen peroxide based treatment such as Otex, which chemically breaks wax down rather than simply softening it. For wax that has already hardened and is causing a blockage or discomfort, an ear drop formulated specifically for ear wax removal is the more effective option.

For most people, using ear drops is a safe way to soften and clear wax at home, though products such as Otex are not suitable for everyone. Do not use them if you have a perforated or damaged eardrum, discharge, infection, pain or ringing in the ear, a history of ear problems without medical supervision, or if your ear has been syringed in the past two to three days. Do not use ear drops at the same time as other ear drops or a hearing aid, and speak to a pharmacist first if you are unsure whether they are suitable for you.

Otex ear drops are typically used once or twice a day for three to four days, until hearing improves and any discomfort eases. If the wax is particularly hard, it may take a little longer to clear, and in some cases ear drops alone are not enough to fully remove the blockage. If there is no improvement after 3 to 4 days, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Yes. A build-up of hardened wax blocking the ear canal can cause muffled or reduced hearing, earache, a feeling of fullness, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear), and dizziness or a loss of balance. These symptoms usually ease once the wax has been softened and cleared. If you are already experiencing dizziness, speak to a pharmacist before using ear drops, as this needs to be checked before starting treatment. See a doctor if dizziness, tinnitus or hearing loss is severe, sudden or does not improve after treatment.

Ear syringing is no longer routinely offered, and attempting to flush wax out yourself with a syringe or bulb kit is not advised, as it carries a risk of damaging the eardrum or ear canal without proper training. Softening wax first with ear drops such as Otex is generally a safer starting point and, in many cases, removes the need for syringing altogether. Do not use Otex if your ear has been professionally syringed within the past two to three days.

See a doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms do not improve after using ear drops for 3 to 4 days, if you have ear pain, discharge, swelling or signs of infection, if you have a perforated eardrum or a history of ear problems, if dizziness or hearing loss is severe or sudden, or if wax build-up keeps recurring. A pharmacist can also advise whether ear drops are the right option before you start treatment.