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| - Last Updated on August 26, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that an earwax removal spray called “anti-cochlear blockage” can remove earwax instantly. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post shares the video of an advertisement endorsing a product called, “anti-cochlear blockage removal spray.” The video displays how just after spraying the product, the earwax comes out instantly. The video reached around 500 likes and its views reached as high as 457k.
A screenshot of the post has been attached below:
Fact Check
Can earwax removal sprays clean the ear safely?
Not exactly. Earwax removal sprays are often marketed as a solution for eliminating the buildup of earwax. Sometimes, such type of products helps soften and loosen earwax, making it easier to come out of the ear. However, their effectiveness and safety can vary. So, people should use them with caution.
A false social media post suggests that ear candling technique is highly beneficial for removing ear wax by softening it.
Trying to remove the softened wax can potentially push earwax further into the ear canal. This can lead to blockage and symptoms like ear pain and hearing loss. Forceful spraying can also cause injury to the delicate ear canal or eardrum. Additionally, excessive use of sprays can disrupt the natural self-cleaning process of the ear. So, they might not be effective for certain types of ear wax. Safer alternatives, such as professional earwax removal methods like irrigation or manual removal, are available. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your situation. They can assess the need for earwax management and recommend the most suitable approach while minimizing potential risks.
Additionally, we further researched and found that the post endorsing the product mentions a link. On redirecting to the link on the claim, we found that the requested page displayed, a “404 Page not found” error. Hence, we cannot fact check the authenticity of the mentioned product and its ingredients.
Our ENT Specialist Dr Priyajeet Panigrahi, MBBS, DNB, and MNAMS, informs, “Ear wax primarily consists of sebum from the glands, deceased epithelial cells, keratin, and fatty acids. The color of the wax tends to turn black when there is a higher concentration of keratin and dead cells, often associated with dirt and commonly observed in older individuals. On the other hand, if the wax contains a larger proportion of fatty acids, it appears yellowish, which is typically seen in children and is more common in older people.”
Dr Panigrahi further informs, “Various chemicals and natural substances can be used to soften ear wax, such as almond oil, olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, paradichlorobenzene, chlorobutolol, turpentine oil, and benzocaine. These substances share a common purpose of softening the wax through the process of saponification of fatty acids. They also aid in the softening of dirt and the elimination of bacteria. These products are typically available in the form of drops since complete softening of the wax usually takes around 5-7 days. It is important to note that no agent can provide immediate results. However, if there is a small amount of wax without significant blockage, it can be removed promptly after applying the drops or spray.”
What can be the potential side effects of using an earwax removal spray?
Earwax removal sprays are generally safe. But there are some potential side effects. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but it’s important to be aware of them so that you can seek medical attention on time, if necessary.
Some of the most common side effects of earwax removal sprays include:
- Irritation of the ear canal. This can cause itching, redness, or pain.
- Hearing loss. This is usually temporary and goes away once the earwax is removed.
- Earwax impaction. This occurs when the earwax is pushed further into the ear canal, making removing it more difficult.
- Ear infection. This is a rare side effect, but it can occur if the earwax removal spray irritates the ear canal and allows bacteria to enter.
Earwax isn’t harmful in small amounts and acts as a cleanser gathering dead skin cells, dirt, and hair. Ideally, one should consult a doctor to learn how to safely remove earwax or get it removed by a doctor as they have the expertise and better tools.
This isn’t the first time we have found inconsistent claims on cleaning ears. THIP MEDIA has previously debunked putting Vicks Vaporub in ear cures pain.
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