Earwax Softener May Cause Inflammation and Hearing Loss
A study published in The Laryngoscope March of this year by researchers from the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MUHC) showed that certain over-the-counter eardrops for softening earwax can cause severe inflammation and damage to the inner ear and eardrum.
Earwax softeners are used to breakup and disperse excess wax and were created for individuals who complained of discomfort or even deafness from wax buildup blocking their ears.
The research team at MUHC studied the impact of Cerumenex on hearing, overall toxicity in the outer ear and changes in the delicate hair cells of the inner ear in chinchillas. They found harmful effects occurred after only one dose. Based on the well-established animal model which researcher state has a similar hearing mechanism to humans, their finding suggest that Cerumenex has toxic potential and should be used with caution.
While Cerumenex is sold over-the-counter in Canada, it a prescription is required in the US. The safest course is always to ask your ENT doctor first before using any “over-the-counter” medications that are put directly into your ear.
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A study published in The Laryngoscope March of this year by researchers from the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MUHC) showed that certain over-the-counter eardrops for softening earwax can cause severe inflammation and damage to the inner ear and eardrum.
Earwax softeners are used to breakup and disperse excess wax and were created for individuals who complained of discomfort or even deafness from wax buildup blocking their ears.
The research team at MUHC studied the impact of Cerumenex on hearing, overall toxicity in the outer ear and changes in the delicate hair cells of the inner ear in chinchillas. They found harmful effects occurred after only one dose. Based on the well-established animal model which researcher state has a similar hearing mechanism to humans, their finding suggest that Cerumenex has toxic potential and should be used with caution.
While Cerumenex is sold over-the-counter in Canada, it a prescription is required in the US. The safest course is always to ask your ENT doctor first before using any “over-the-counter” medications that are put directly into your ear.
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July 1st, 2008 at 6:05 am
how can you get rid of constent ringing of the ear
crooswordsanta@yahoo.com
July 1st, 2008 at 9:57 am
Hi Santa
Of course we would encourage you to try Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula (4 bottles) to determine if it can be effective for you. You may also want to read through the myriad of articles on the subject of tinnitus treatments in our Tinnitus Library: http://www.tinnitusformula.com/information_center.aspx
Brent Curtis – Editor
July 5th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
wow i did not know that ear wax products can cause inflammation and hearing loss
July 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Hi Amy,
Please remember that this study was on one ear wax softener. And while I’m sure not all such products are detrimental, it is important to be informed and a bit cautious when putting chemicals into our ears.
Brent