A range of products are available from the pharmacy to help treat common ear problems.

Earwax can be softened and removed using products containing ingredients such as arachis oil or olive oil (e.g. Earol), or docusate sodium. Urea hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Earex Advance, Otex) is used in some drops to break down the earwax into smaller pieces. There may be a temporary bubbling sensation in the ear on use. Bulb syringe devices can be used to clean the ear and there are also products based on seawater to help remove earwax (e.g. Audiclean). Individuals may be advised by a healthcare professional to use these products for a few days before they have any procedures such as syringing or microsuction to remove earwax.

When recommending ear drops, it may be helpful to advise the customer how to use them effectively:

• Warm the bottle in the hands for a few minutes before use
• Tilt the head to one side, with the ear pointing towards the ceiling
• Gently squeeze the required number of drops into the ear, without the dropper touching the ear canal
• Keep the head tilted for a few minutes so that the drops stay in the ear
• Remove any excess with a tissue.

Acetic acid (e.g. EarCalm spray) can be used in otitis externa. It is an antifungal and antibacterial agent and should only be used by adults and children aged 12 years and over.