by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
An eZine reader in Australia wrote: “Thanks once again for the excellent newsletter. The subject of ototoxic earwax removal medications got me checking the products we have in Australia. One particular product which sells under the brand name here of “Cerumol” lists amongst it’s contents ortho-dichlorobenzene and para-dichlorobenzene.
I note that in your book “Ototoxic Drugs Exposed“, dichlorobenzene is listed as an ototoxic chemical.
Even though this product was recommended to me by a health professional, I will pass. When one looks at what dichlorobenzene is and what it is used for, I will certainly not be putting that into my ears. I did try it once, since a health
care professional recommended it. I remember my ears feeling sore and a bit “stingy” afterwards. Not surprising given that dichlorobenzene is an industrial solvent!”
I’m with you in this. All the dichlorobenzenes (ortho, meta and para) are industrial solvents, pesticides, etc. For example para-dichlorobenzene is used in moth balls. The dichlorobenzenes are somewhat ototoxic and can cause
dizziness and vertigo.
I’m sure the Cerumol will dissolve ear wax just fine—but it is not the kind of thing I want to put in my ears either. There are much safer alternatives.
We need to be aware of the chemical nature of the drugs and medications health professionals try to pawn off on us as being “good” and safe for us.
Hello, could you please point me to a scientific reference on the ototoxicity of paradichlorobenzene? I can’t seem to find this information anywhere.
Hi Lori:
According to the National Toxicology Program database as it was in 2001 when I collected this information, paradichlorobenzene can cause two ototoxic side effects–dizziness and vertigo. They’ve changed this website around now and I can’t find this database anymore. Maybe you can.
Cordially,
Neil
Hi Dr. Bauman,
Last August, I got ear wax removal by micro-suction. About a few hours later, I started to hear a low-pitched droning sound in my ear. It persisted for about two weeks, and then when I went off to school, it seemed to stop for a while. When I got home in January, the droning sound started again, and this time it was much louder. I thought it was pulsatile tinnitus, but the sound did not match my heartbeat. I have no hearing loss in my upper or lower ranges, and I tend to hear the tinnitus only at night and in certain environments. In other rooms, it’s either very quiet or disappears. I just wanted your opinion on what’s going on because I asked the ENTs, and they basically told me to get lost. I’ve only heard of micro-suction wax removal causing high-pitched tinnitus. Would it ever cause low-pitched tinnitus?
Thank you very much!
Hi Anna:
From your description, I wonder if the droning tinnitus has nothing to do with the micro-suctioning you had. I tend to think it was coincidental. Numbers of people experience a droning kind of humming tinnitus and it varies in volume/intrusiveness depending where you are–just like your experiences.
Personally, I’d just learn to ignore it and certainly don’t worry over it as that can just make it worse.
Cordially,
Neil