Is Olive Oil the best ear wax removal method?

It may sound surprising, but olive oil can help clear blocked ears. In fact, the NHS recommend olive oil as the primary home treatment for ear wax build up. It’s a gentle, natural and effective method that softens ear wax, and helps it exit the ear over the course of a couple of weeks.

But it’s important to note that we don’t mean olive oil straight out of your kitchen cupboard. We mean medical grade virgin olive oil which is specifically made for ear wax treatment.

So how does olive oil work to clear ears? And is it really the best option out there?

How does it work and how do I use it?

When olive oil enters the ear, it slowly absorbs into hardened ear wax to soften it. This helps it to fall naturally from the ear. However, for best results, it must be used often for up to two weeks.

The Otex Olive Oil range uses medical grade olive oil and is clinically recommended for ear wax treatment. The range includes Otex Olive Oil Ear Drops and Otex Olive Oil Spray.

To use Otex Olive Oil Ear Drops:

1. Tilt your head and use the dropper to add two to three drops into the ear, without touching the ear itself.
2. Leave it for a few minutes, and then wipe the surplus away with a tissue
3. Repeat once or twice daily for up to 14 days while symptoms clear.

To use Otex Olive Oil Ear Spray:

1. With the bottle held in an upright position, place the nozzle at the entrance to the ear canal and spray once.
2. Tilt the head for a minute or two so that the fluid flows down into the ear canal and wipe the surplus with tissue.
3. Repeat once or twice daily, if necessary, for up to 14 days while symptoms clear.

But what are the other options?

Although it’s the main method recommended by the NHS, there are a range of alternative treatments which are also effective at treating ear wax build up. In fact, some options work faster for more immediate relief.

Otex Express uses urea hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient and can break down hardened ear wax into small pieces so it can fall more easily from the ear. Treatment is quicker, usually taking only 3-4 days. What’s more, Otex Express is the UK’s best-selling ear wax treatment¹, and is tried and trusted by millions.

You can also look at private treatments from doctors and audiologist such as microsuction. This is another safe and effective way to treat ear wax blockages. It’s a more expensive solution and can cost anywhere between £60-£80.

So, is Olive Oil the best?

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and circumstance. Otex Olive Oil is great place to start when looking to treat hardened ear wax, but you may need more immediate relief with Otex Express or Otex Ear Drops. However, you can rest assured that the right treatment is out there for you, based on your needs. Take a look at our range, or if you’re experiencing pain or tinnitus, speak to a GP or audiologist.

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Sources:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/
• https://mft.nhs.uk/app/uploads/2022/06/Wax-Management.pdf