The most effective products available to facilitate ear syringing

Abstract

Loss of hearing from accumulation of cerumen (ear wax) is a commonly seen problem. Treatment for this condition often involves use of a wax softening or dispersing agent (cerumenolytic) before syringing. A mini-review was undertaken to find out what is the best preparation to use before syringing to facilitate the procedure. Five databases were searched using subject searches combined with methodological filters to find the highest level of evidence to answer the question. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found and seven in vitro studies that researched the efficacy or effectiveness of a range of products. The RCTs do not show any one product to be more effective. The in vitro studies show Waxsol to be better at dispersing wax followed by sodium bicarbonate. This needs to be demonstrated with in vivo testing comparing all products for effectiveness. Many of the studies suffered from a lack of information. Side effects were not adequately investigated.