Sodium bicarbonate ear drops can soften cerumen after 2-3 days. The main ingredients of sodium bicarbonate ear drops are sodium bicarbonate and glycerin, which are used to remove the cerumen plug in the ear and have a lubricating effect. Cerumen is caused by excessive secretions in the ear and is mostly acidic, while sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline drug that has a neutralizing effect. It is usually applied 3-5 times a day, 5-6 drops at a time, and the cerumen will gradually soften after 2-3 days of application, and then it can be cleared by external ear canal irrigation at the ENT department. However, the medication may cause swelling and pain in the ears, hearing loss, tinnitus and other symptoms. In addition, it should be noted that patients with inflammation in the external ear canal should wait until the inflammation is eliminated before using this medication, and patients should not pick or dig their ears during treatment to avoid damage to the external ear canal.