1. As the ear drops dissolve, disperse and soften the ear wax, it expands and exerts pressure against the walls of the external ear canal. This usually happens a few days after starting the use of these ear drops. 2. The outer ear canal is made of cartilage which can accommodate this expansion. However, the deeper (inner) part of the external ear canal is surrounded by the temporal bone and hence any expansion of impacted earwax will cause discomfort and pain. 3. Sometimes, the pain is a sign of accompanying infection (otitis externa) or rarely a perforation in the eardrum behind the earwax plug. 4. Since ear wax dissolving drops are oily, any air gap between the earwax plug and the external ear canal is filled up and hearing becomes worse temporarily. You should use the ear drops in your left ear only. 5. Use 5 drops 5 times a day and lie down for 5 minutes with the left ear up after instilling the ear drops. After a few days, as the earwax completely softens, the ear discomfort and pain reduces. 6. You may have a painkiller or visit your doctor again, who may also be able to flush out or manually clear some of the earwax with microscopic instruments to ease your discomfort. You may then continue to use the drops and have all the wax removed at a later date.