The external auditory canal (EAC) is a self-cleaning structure, with cerumen playing a protective role against water, insects, bacteria, and fungi. However, in approximately 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults, cerumen can become impacted, leading to conductive hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or cough (Schwartz et al., 2017). Historically, various oils—including almond, mineral, and olive oil—have been employed to soften hardened cerumen, facilitating its spontaneous expulsion or removal via irrigation or curettage.
The symptoms of olive oil ear can vary from mild to severe and may include: olive oil ear
Extra virgin olive oil is composed primarily of oleic acid (a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid), along with palmitic acid, squalene, and phenolic compounds (e.g., oleuropein). Its hydrophobic nature allows it to coat and penetrate the crevices of impacted cerumen. The external auditory canal (EAC) is a self-cleaning