Exterol 5% Ear Drops Exterol ear drops contain the active ingredient urea hydrogen peroxide, which helps to soften ear wax. Urea hydrogen peroxide works to soften ear wax by releasing oxygen which breaks up hardened wax, it also has some antiseptic properties. Ear wax is a normal secretion of the ear. It is produced to provide a protective layer in the ear & on the ear drum. There are times when too much wax is produced. This can result in hearing difficulties & may cause pain. A hard plug of wax can be softened using Exterol ear drops. Wax can also be removed by your doctor or practice nurse, by flushing the ear with warm water (syringing). If there is a lot of wax or the wax is very hard, it may need to be softened first & Exterol ear drops can also be used for this.