Ref (type)	Population	Outcome, Interventions	Results and statistical analysis	Effect size	Favours
Successful irrigation (syringing)
Systematic review	91 people 2 RCTs in this analysis	Successful syringing 21/47 (45%) with triethanolamine polypeptide-based proprietary preparation 27/44 (61%) with normal saline	OR 0.5 95% CI 0.2 to 1.2 See also		Not significant
Systematic review	77 people 2 RCTs in this analysis	Wax cleared after first irrigation 9/36 (25%) with triethanolamine polypeptide-based proprietary preparation 15/41 (37%) with normal saline	OR 0.54 95% CI 0.20 to 1.48		Not significant
Systematic review	93 people 2 RCTs in this analysis	Successful syringing 23/49 (47%) with docusate-based proprietary preparation 27/44 (61%) with normal saline	OR 0.5 95% CI 0.2 to 1.2 See also		Not significant
Systematic review	83 people 2 RCTs in this analysis	Wax cleared after first irrigation 10/42 (24%) with docusate-based proprietary preparation 15/41 (37%) with normal saline	OR 0.51 95% CI 0.19 to 1.34		Not significant
RCT 3-armed trial	74 people	Wax clearance after irrigation with triethanolamine polypeptide-based proprietary preparation with saline Absolute results not reported	P = 0.37		Not significant
RCT 3-armed trial	74 people	Wax clearance after irrigation with carbamide peroxide-based proprietary preparation with saline Absolute results not reported	P = 0.06		Not significant
RCT 3-armed trial	89 people	Complete tympanic membrane visualisation achieved after application of the wax solvent, with or without irrigation final success rate 16/29 (55%) with potassium carbonate/ethyl acohol/glycerol 480/thymol proprietary preparation 12/28 (43%) with saline	OR 1.6 95% CI 0.6 to 4.7 P = 0.35 This analysis based on univarate logistic regression		Not significant