It is not usually possible to use sodium bicarbonate ear drops without rinsing afterward.
Sodium bicarbonate ear drops are mainly used for the treatment of cerumen embolism. In cases of excessive cerumen secretion from the external auditory canal and poor drainage, cerumen may accumulate in the external auditory canal and form emboli. In cases where it is not easy to remove the cerumen with specialized instruments, sodium bicarbonate ear drops can be used to soften and dilute the cerumen sufficiently, and then warm saline can be used to flush it out by specialized medical personnel.
After using sodium bicarbonate ear drops alone, cerumen needs to be cleared as soon as possible because the distended cerumen may press against the external auditory canal, which may cause discomfort. If timely cleaning is not carried out, when the ear drops evaporate and the cerumen turns to dryness, the cerumen cannot be discharged and does not play a therapeutic role.
When the use of sodium bicarbonate ear drops is standardized under medical advice, it should be disposed of promptly by active medical attention.