What is the primary use of ear drops like triethanolamine (Cerumenex)?

The primary use of ear drops like triethanolamine (Cerumenex) is to soften and break up ear wax. These drops contain ingredients specifically designed to help dissolve cerumen, or ear wax, which can accumulate in the ear canal and lead to blockage, discomfort, or diminished hearing. By softening and breaking up the wax, the ear drops facilitate its removal, either naturally or through gentle irrigation.

This choice focuses on a practical and common application of such products, making it clear that their intended purpose is not necessarily to treat infections or inflammation directly, nor do they serve as a cure for deafness. In essence, using ear drops to manage ear wax is a preventive and maintenance measure rather than a treatment for conditions like infections, which require more specific medications such as antibiotics, or inflammation, which could be addressed with anti-inflammatory drugs.