Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a novel product for the removal of impacted human cerumen

BACKGROUND: This open-label study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel product for the removal of impacted cerumen in adult patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, single-arm, self-controlled clinical trial conducted in a community general practice setting. The novel product contains glycolic acid in an otologically-acceptable buffer containing sodium bicarbonate and glycerin and other buffering agents. The product was instilled into the ear canal prior to irrigation with warm water. Severity of cerumen impaction was graded using a 5-point scale. Improvement in tympanic membrane visualization was assessed after instillation and irrigation. RESULTS: A majority (83%, 25/30) of ears showed improvement with one application: with 53% (16/30) totally dissolved and gained 100% TM visualization. Total dissolution was observed in 80% (24/30) of the study ears per the intent-to-treat analysis and 86% (24/28) if irrigation instructions were followed. Most of the ears/participants that had cerumen blockage symptoms experienced significant improvement with the application. Feelings of fullness disappeared in 92% (11/12) of the affected ears; ears itching, 91% (10/11); water trapping or cracking, 78%, and decreased hearing disappeared in 71% (10/14). All (100%, 18) of the participants who completed the application satisfaction assessment were satisfied with the application process in terms of time needed and the overall rinse procedure. Only one mild adverse event (ear pruritis) occurred that was related to application. CONCLUSIONS: The tested cerumen removal product was effective and safe for removing moderate to severe blockage in patients with impacted cerumen. Procedure satisfaction for the product was high. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. The registration number is NCT02829294. The trial was retrospectively registered on July 8, 2016.