Oxygen ear drops can mask serious conditions, warns specialist

Many people experiencing ear congestion turn to over-the-counter ear drops, with oxygenated versions becoming increasingly popular. However, Associate Professor Dr. Necdet Özçelik, a specialist in Ear, Nose, and Throat diseases, cautions that using these drops without a prior medical examination can significantly delay the diagnosis of serious ear conditions.

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Earwax is not a disease. It is a natural secretion that protects the ear by trapping dust and foreign particles from the outside.

Dr. Özçelik clarified that earwax is a natural protective secretion that traps dust and foreign particles. While it typically clears on its own, excessive buildup can lead to a feeling of fullness, reduced hearing, or altered sound perception. He stressed that not all hearing loss is due to earwax; fluid buildup behind the eardrum, a middle ear issue, can present similar symptoms. Self-treating with drops can therefore postpone proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Not all hearing loss is due to earwax. Middle ear problems, such as fluid buildup behind the eardrum, can cause similar symptoms. If a person mistakes this for earwax and uses drops on their own, diagnosis can be delayed, and the treatment process can be prolonged.

The risks escalate for individuals with perforated eardrums or those who have had ear tubes inserted. Dr. Özçelik warned that unprescribed drops in these cases can introduce infections into the middle ear, causing more severe hearing and treatment complications. He also advised against using cotton swabs, tissues, or similar objects for ear cleaning, as they tend to push earwax further in.

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For individuals with a perforated eardrum or those who have had ear tubes inserted, the use of drops can lead to the infection spreading to the middle ear. This can cause greater problems for both hearing and treatment.

"Our ear is our organ of hearing, and healthy hearing is of great importance for quality of life," Dr. Özçelik concluded. "The right treatment always begins with the right examination."

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Do not use cotton swabs, cotton, tissues, or similar objects for ear cleaning.