Earwax can be softened and removed using products containing ingredients such as olive or arachis oil, or docusate sodium. Urea hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Otex) is used in some drops to break down the earwax into smaller pieces. There may be a temporary bubbling sensation in the ear on use. Bulb syringe devices can be used to clean the ear and there are also products based on sea water to help remove earwax.

Customers may be advised to use these products for a few days before they have their ears syringed.

When recommending ear drops, it may be helpful to advise the customer how to use them:

• Warm the bottle in the hands for a few minutes before use
• Tilt the head to one side, with the ear pointing towards the ceiling
• Gently squeeze the required number of drops into the ear (without the dropper touching the ear canal)
• Keep the head tilted for a few minutes so that the drops stay in the ear
• Remove any excess with a tissue.

Acetic acid, which is an antifungal and antibacterial agent, can be used to treat otitis externa (e.g. EarCalm spray). It should only be used by adults and children aged 12 years and over.