Uses of Bile Salts, Namely Cholate and Deoxycholate for Earwax Removal

Abstract

Detergents are a viable method for earwax removal. Specifically, bile salts such as cholate and deoxycholate, work well for this function especially when placed in alkaline solution provided by sodium phosphate in the presence of 0.1 M sodium chloride. In vitro studies reveal these agents to quickly penetrate earwax, as visualized by yellowish color of the solution and lack of cohesion of the remaining particulate matter. In clinical studies, after a 5 minute application of the bile acids into ten patients’ ears with impacted cerumen, only water irrigation was needed for visibility of the tympanic membrane. Further studies of cholate and dexoxycholate for ear plugs are warranted.