When looking for solutions to ear wax, you may encounter various products in the form of ear wax drops, all which are marketed for the same purpose. Choosing which ear wax drops to use may be a matter of personal preference, but it's always best to make your selection based upon effectiveness and which drops provide gentle cleansing. You also must decide whether you wish to spend money on specially formulated ear wax drops at the pharmacy or use an inexpensive solution you can make yourself.
If you make your own ear wax drops, you can use a plain saline solution. Water applied from a dropper may be effective as well. Before doing so, however, you might want to check with your physician to be certain there are no hidden causes for your symptoms.
Many people prefer using all-natural products. Ear wax drops may be available in a gentle, yet effective homeopathic solution. A saline moisturizing formula may also be beneficial, and this is one of the most gentle ways to cleanse your ears and help loosen ear wax.
There are other alternatives to store-bought ear wax removal drops. Baby oil can be applied using a dropper, but caution must be used when doing so. Alternately, mineral oil is another option. Warm the oil first and always check to ensure the oil is not too hot. These methods should not be used if there are any pre-existing conditions of the inner ear.
As many ear wax drops contain chemical ingredients, using these may occasionally cause allergic reactions in some people. Although this is not a common occurrence, there are signs to look for that indicate an adverse reaction. Extreme itching or redness may indicate a sensitivity or allergy. In such a case, use of the product should be discontinued until a physician can offer advice.
It should be noted that ear wax drops should not be used on very young children without consulting with a pediatrician. In an attempt to loosen ear wax, either in a child or adult, one should never place any type of object into the ear canal, as this could result in complications and injury. If using a commercial product, you should carefully follow the directions on the package.