Best ear drops for ear infection, blocked ears & wax removal

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Looking for the best ear drops for ear infection for adults or ear wax removal? Whether you're dealing with ear pain, infection, or stubborn wax build-up, choosing the right product is key to effective relief. In this comprehensive guide, we explore some of the most effective and widely used ear drops available in Australia. For each product, we explain what it's used for, how it works, suitable age groups, and important usage notes.

Cerumol ear drops

Cerumol ear drops are specifically formulated to soften and break down hardened ear wax, making it easier to remove naturally or with syringing. It contains arachis oil (peanut oil) and chlorobutanol, which work together to lubricate and loosen wax without harsh action.

Best for:

  • Adults and children over 1 year
  • People with mild to moderate wax build-up
  • Hearing aid users who experience blockage

🛑 Caution: Not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies due to arachis oil content.

Auralgan Ear Drops

Auralgan ear drops offer quick relief for ear pain, particularly in cases of middle ear infections (otitis media) and swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). It combines benzocaine (a local anaesthetic) and phenazone (an anti-inflammatory) to soothe pain and reduce swelling.

Recommended for:

  • Adults and children over 1 year
  • Short-term use for ear pain
  • People with earache due to pressure or infection

🚫 Avoid if the eardrum is perforated or if there’s discharge.

Ciloxan Ear Drops

Ciloxan are prescription-only antibiotic drops containing ciprofloxacin, effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. It's particularly useful in treating acute cases and preventing complications.

Used for:

  • Otitis externa and otitis media
  • Adults and children over 1 year
  • Serious or persistent bacterial ear infections

🩺 Requires a doctor’s prescription and diagnosis.

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Cortexi Ear Drops

Cortexi are medicated ear drops used primarily for fungal infections and inflammation. It may contain ingredients like hydrocortisone and antifungals that help reduce swelling and eliminate fungal growth.

Suitable for:

  • Adults with chronic otitis externa
  • Individuals with recurring fungal ear infections

⚠️ Only use after medical assessment, especially in cases with ear discharge.

Waxsol Ear Drops

Waxsol ear drops contains docusate sodium, which rapidly softens ear wax, making it one of the most effective and fast-acting solutions for wax removal in Australia.

Best for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Pre-treatment before ear syringing
  • Individuals experiencing muffled hearing or fullness

🕒 Typically works within 2 nights of application.

Otocomb Otic Ear Drops

Otocomb ear drops combine anti-inflammatory steroids, antifungal agents, and antibiotics to tackle complex or mixed ear infections. This triple-action makes it ideal for infections that don’t respond to standard treatments.

Used for:

  • Adults and children over 2
  • Inflamed or infected outer ear canal
  • Fungal, bacterial, or mixed infections

📄 Prescription required due to potent ingredients.

Debrox Ear Drops

Debrox ear drops use carbamide peroxide, which creates a gentle bubbling action that loosens and lifts wax. It’s ideal for routine maintenance and clearing blocked ears.

Recommended for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Regular cleaning and wax build-up prevention
  • Use before hearing tests or hearing aid fittings

🛍️ Available online with international shipping.

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Otex Ear Drops

Otex ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down ear wax through fizzing action. It’s effective and provides visible results.

Ideal for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Quick home use
  • Individuals with hardened or impacted wax

🌍 Widely used in the UK; accessible online in Australia.

Sofradex Ear Drops

Sofradex is a prescription medication that treats bacterial infections of the outer ear. It combines dexamethasone (a steroid) with antibiotics to reduce inflammation and combat bacteria.

Best for:

  • Adults and children over 7
  • Red, itchy, swollen ears due to infection
  • Chronic or recurrent ear infections

⏱️ Not intended for prolonged use; follow your doctor’s instructions.

Earclear Ear Drops

Earclear offers a range of products for both wax removal and ear pain. Their wax remover uses carbamide peroxide, while the pain relief version soothes irritation with anaesthetic agents.

Recommended for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Regular hygiene maintenance
  • Individuals with mild discomfort or occasional wax build-up

👍 Available without prescription in pharmacies.

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What are ear drops?

Ear drops are a therapeutic remedy designed to be placed in the ear canal to treat various problems, including pain, inflammation, infections, and earwax blockages.

 

Discover more

Nutribiotic Ear Drops

Nutribiotic ear drops are a natural option containing grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil, and vitamin C. While not a substitute for antibiotics, they may help with minor irritation or as a supplement to other treatments.

Used for:

  • Adults and children over 5
  • Natural support for mild symptoms
  • Holistic wellness routines

🌱 Good choice for those preferring natural remedies.

Otosan Ear Drops

Otosan ear drops are made from a blend of natural oils like almond, tea tree, and propolis, helping cleanse the ear canal gently. It’s suitable for people with sensitive skin or looking to avoid synthetic chemicals.

Suitable for:

  • Adults and children over 3
  • General ear hygiene and cleansing
  • Mild irritation or wax prevention

🍃 Safe for long-term use.

Clearwax Ear Drops

Clearwax ear drops use urea hydrogen peroxide to break down wax effectively, especially before ear irrigation or micro-suction procedures.

Ideal for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Fast-acting wax softening
  • Home use or clinical preparation

💧 May require a few applications depending on wax severity.

Otogesic Ear Drops

Otogesic ear drops contain benzocaine, which provides local numbing relief for ear pain. It’s useful for people experiencing temporary pain due to pressure or minor inflammation.

Used for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Temporary relief from earache
  • Non-infectious causes of pain (e.g. barotrauma)

🛑 Do not use if the eardrum is perforated.

Drep Ear Drops

Drep is a European product that combines antiseptic and antifungal agents. It’s designed to target fungal infections in the outer ear canal and minor bacterial irritations.

Suitable for:

  • Adults and older children (over 7)
  • Mild external infections
  • Fungal otitis externa

📋 Should be used under medical advice.

Soliwax Ear Drops

Soliwax ear drops contain urea hydrogen peroxide, which gently softens and loosens ear wax. It is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive users.

Best for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Regular ear hygiene
  • Occasional wax build-up

Waxonil Ear Drops

Waxonil is another gentle option for dissolving and softening ear wax. It’s often used by people with easily irritated ear canals.

Recommended for:

  • Adults and children over 12
  • Sensitive ears
  • Gentle wax management

Choosing the right ear drops

Choosing the right ear drops depends on your specific symptoms and medical history:

  • For wax removal: Waxsol, Cerumol, Clearwax, Soliwax
  • For ear infections: Ciloxan, Otocomb, Sofradex, Drep
  • For pain relief: Auralgan, Otogesic
  • For natural care: Otosan, Nutribiotic, Audisol

FAQs about "Best ear drops"

What are the most effective ear drops?

The most effective ear drops depend on the specific ear issue you're addressing. For ear wax removal, drops like Cerumol, Waxsol, and Debrox are highly effective. For ear infections, Ciloxan and Otocomb are strong options. If you're dealing with pain and inflammation, Auralgan and Sofradex can provide relief.

What ear drops are best for a clogged ear?

For a clogged ear due to ear wax, Cerumol, Waxsol, Debrox, and Otex are great options. If the clog is caused by an infection, Ciloxan or Otocomb are better choices.

Which drops are best for ear infection?

For treating ear infections, Ciloxan and Otocomb are among the best. Auralgan is also beneficial for pain relief associated with infections.

What is the best medicine to clear ears?

To clear ears of excess wax, Cerumol, Waxsol, Debrox, and Otex are excellent choices. If the issue is related to an infection or pain, Ciloxan and Sofradex are ideal. Always consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

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