Olive Oil Drops and Their Effect on Earwax Accumulation

Abstract

Abstract Ear wax is a normal secretion that is produced by specialised glands in the ear. In medical terms earwax is called cerumen, a combination of natural oily secretions from the ceruminous glands, dead skin cells and debris, and serves a very significant purpose. In the majority of cases, ear wax does not need to be removed. The waxy substance protects the ear canal against dust, pollen and water, and due to its acidity is bacteriostatic i.e. it discourages the multiplication of bacteria. It also lubricates the skin lining of the ear canal, preventing the skin from drying out. The focus of the research is to investigate the application of olive oil and its impact on accumulation of wax to adults. In this research, the participants were invited to attend one of our selected clinics in London on a specific date. Their ears were examined thoroughly for any wax occlusion or other pathology and wax was removed and/or medical referral was made as necessary. They were briefed to use a type of olive oil of their preference in just one ear at a given interval, and attend approximately every two weeks for a period of 24 weeks for the researcher to visually estimate the percentage of wax occlusion in both ears. The study showed that in the majority of cases, olive oil drops do not reduce earwax build-up. The review was restricted to a small cohort of volunteers (N = 60) and therefore the result was potentially weak. The principal finding of the study is that contrary to current recommendations, the regular application of olive oil hastens the accumulation of ear wax in individuals susceptible to ear wax occlusion.