If you’ve been told you have a build-up of ear wax, there’s a good chance someone has recommended olive oil drops. At Bath Ear Care, one of the most common questions we hear is whether olive oil actually works and how long it should be used before an appointment. Here’s what you need to know.

Do olive oil drops actually work?

Yes — but perhaps not in the way many people expect.

Olive oil does not usually dissolve ear wax completely. Instead, its main purpose is to soften and lubricate the wax, making it easier for the ear’s natural cleaning process to move it out or for a clinician to remove it safely.

Many patients expect wax to simply disappear after a few days of using drops. While this can occasionally happen, particularly with small amounts of wax, most impacted wax will still require professional removal.

Think of olive oil as a preparation rather than a cure. Softened wax is generally easier and more comfortable to remove than hard, dry wax.

How long should I use olive oil before microsuction?

For most patients, we recommend using olive oil drops for approximately 5 to 7 days before a microsuction appointment.

This gives the drops enough time to soften the wax and improve the likelihood of a successful treatment.

If the wax is particularly hard or impacted, a longer period may sometimes be beneficial. However, using drops for weeks on end without improvement is unlikely to provide additional benefit.

We recommend oiling for 1-2 days prior to your appointment, twice daily. This allows any hard wax to soften and increases comfort during suctioning. Tilt your head to each side and apply 3-4 drops or spays into both ears. For effective softening you can make a plug out of cotton wool and vaseline and cover the entrance of the ear for 10-15 minutes. Please Oil both ears prior to your appointment, even if you only have symptoms in one ear.

Can you use too much olive oil in your ears?

In most cases, olive oil is very safe when used appropriately. However, more is not always better. Using excessive amounts of olive oil can sometimes:

• Leave the ears feeling blocked or full
• Cause temporary muffled hearing
• Make it difficult to tell whether symptoms are improving
• Create unnecessary mess and discomfort

Can you use too much oil very much depends on the natural consistency of your wax, some people have softer or dryer wax due to genetic factors. Bath Ear Care recommends 1-2 days oiling prior to your appointment, this is more than enough to soften hard wax. In cases where wax can be a liquid consistency and may be difficult to remove with suction alone. In these cases, our clinicians are trained in Irrigation and manual methods such as Aural Toilet, where cotton and a small tool called a jobson horn is used to remove softer wax.

If your hearing suddenly seems worse after using drops, don’t panic. This is often because the wax has softened and expanded slightly rather than because the condition has worsened. Many patients are surprised when their ears feel more blocked after starting drops, but this is a common and temporary effect.

What’s the best ear wax softening drops to use?

In general, medical grade Olive Oil brands such as Earol or Cl-ear ear spray are recommended due to their sterile nature and pump spray mechanism which is easier to apply into the ear canal by yourself. Almond Oil versions by Earol can also be used if you have previously reacted to Olive Oil or have sensitive, eczema prone skin.

We do not recommend using Otex containing Hydrogen Peroxide prior to microsuction, although highly effective at dissolving wax, there is an increased risk of irritation and infection if used for prolonged periods due the products active ingredients. In general, active or fast acting ear drops that liquify wax are not needed as the suction is very effective at removing wax in larger pieces which is often safer and more comfortable for the patient.

What if olive oil doesn’t work?

This is perfectly normal. Many patients assume they have done something wrong if the wax remains after several days of using drops. In reality, olive oil’s job is to soften the wax, not necessarily remove it completely.

In some cases wax is severely impacted, meaning stuck and compressed into the ear canal, this wax can contain layers of dry skin or hair and oil preparation is not always effective at preparing the wax for suction. During the appointment our clinicians will apply additional oil or sodium bicarbonate to help loosen the wax during your visit. If the wax remains too hard for the suction to attach to or is stuck to the canal wall, further softening with an alternative drop such as sodium bicarbonate for 5-7 days may be needed. A follow up appointment will then remove the remaining wax.Our experience at Bath Ear Care

Many patients arrive at their appointment concerned because olive oil hasn’t cleared the blockage. In most cases, this isn’t a sign that the drops have failed. The wax has often softened exactly as intended, making it easier and more comfortable to remove during treatment. We regularly find that patients who have used olive oil appropriately before their appointment experience a smoother and more effective microsuction procedure.

When should I use sodium bicarbonate?

In some cases we advise patients to use sodium bicarbonate prior to appointments, this may be if you have a history of dry compacted wax, have had symptoms for a longer duration for time such as months or if you have a large amount of hair growth in the ear that has affected removal in the past. In general, it’s best to use sodium bicarbonate on the recommendation of a clinician.

If I book a same day appointment what should I do about oiling?

Please oil in both ears once the appointment has been booked and use the vaseline cotton plug method for effective softening. If you have booked in the morning and your appointment is in the afternoon, apply two applications of oil prior to the appointment. In many cases oil is not needed for Microsuction removal to be successful, as it’s a highly effective method for removal in isolation, however oiling will help lubricate the canal and can increase patient comfort during your appointment.

Need advice about ear wax?

If you’re unsure whether olive oil drops are helping, or if you’re struggling with blocked ears, Bath Ear Care can assess your ears and advise on the most appropriate treatment. Whether you need reassurance, an ear examination or professional wax removal, we’re here to help.