If you’ve ever experienced blocked ears, you’ll know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. From muffled hearing and pressure to a sensation of fullness or even ringing in the ears, a build-up of earwax is a common problem—but thankfully, it’s also treatable.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we often receive questions from customers asking how long earwax removal drops take to work, and when they should consider professional treatment. In this post, we’ll guide you through what to expect when using ear drops at home, how long they usually take to relieve symptoms, and when it’s time to book in for microsuction.

What Are Earwax Removal Drops?

Earwax removal drops are over-the-counter treatments designed to soften and break down hardened earwax so it can either clear naturally or be removed more easily by a professional. These drops typically contain ingredients such as:

Olive oil – a gentle option to soften earwax

Sodium bicarbonate – helps dissolve wax build-up

Hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide – releases oxygen to break down stubborn wax

They’re available in pharmacies without a prescription and can be used at home as a first step in managing earwax blockage.

How Long Do Earwax Removal Drops Take to Work?

Most earwax removal drops take 3 to 5 days to soften the wax enough for it to naturally come out of the ear canal or be safely removed by a professional. However, this can vary depending on:

• –> How impacted the earwax is

• –> The type of drops used

• –> How regularly you apply them

• –> Whether both ears are affected

For mild wax build-up, some people feel relief within a couple of days. For others, especially if the wax is deeply lodged or has been building up for a long time, it may take closer to a week of consistent use.

How Do You Know They’re Working?

You may notice some of the following signs that your earwax is softening and beginning to clear:

• –> Improved hearing in the affected ear

• –> A “crackling” or bubbling sound shortly after applying drops (especially with peroxide-based solutions)

• –> Slight leakage of wax or oil from the ear canal

• –> A general reduction in pressure or discomfort

These are all normal signs that the drops are doing their job. You may also feel a warm or tingling sensation when using the drops—this is common and usually nothing to worry about.

What If Nothing Happens?

If you’ve used earwax removal drops for 5 to 7 days with no improvement, it’s likely that the wax is too impacted to come out on its own. At this point, further use of drops is unlikely to resolve the issue completely.

Don’t worry—this is where professional ear care comes in. At Vivo Pharmacy, we offer earwax microsuction, a safe, gentle, and effective way to remove stubborn wax without water or syringing.

Why Use Ear Drops Before Microsuction?

Even if you’re planning on having wax professionally removed, we recommend using softening drops for a few days beforehand. This helps:

• –> Loosen the wax, making it easier and more comfortable to remove

• –> Reduce the risk of discomfort during the procedure

• –> Shorten appointment time, as the softened wax clears more easily

We usually advise using olive oil drops once or twice daily for 3 to 5 days before your microsuction appointment.

What Is Microsuction?

Microsuction is a method of earwax removal that uses a small suction device under direct visual guidance (using a microscope or magnifying loupe). It’s:

• –> Quick (usually under 30 minutes)

• –> Safe for perforated eardrums or people with previous ear surgery

• –> Dry—no messy irrigation or syringing

• –> Effective for removing both soft and hard earwax

At Vivo Pharmacy, our ear care professionals are trained in microsuction techniques and can help relieve your symptoms with minimal fuss.

Seek Help at Vivo Pharmacy

You should seek professional advice if:

• –> You’ve used earwax removal drops for a week with no result

• –> You experience pain, discharge, or fever (which may indicate infection)

• –> You have a history of ear surgery or perforated eardrums

• –> Your hearing continues to worsen or you feel off balance

We’re here to assess your situation and advise whether home treatment or professional removal is the best next step.

Know When to Speak to a Professional

Earwax removal drops are a useful and accessible option for managing blocked ears at home. For many people, consistent use over 3 to 5 days is enough to soften and clear excess wax. However, if you don’t experience relief, or your symptoms worsen, it’s time to speak to a professional.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we offer a full ear care service, including advice on the best drops to use and microsuction treatment if needed. We’re committed to helping you hear clearly and feel more comfortable—without long waits or unnecessary stress.

Book your ear health consultation with Vivo Pharmacy today and take the next step towards clearer, healthier ears.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.