ENT - How to use Ear Drops

Do not use any ears drops if you have a hole in your eardrum called a perforated eardrum.

Before you use the drops, warm them to room temperature by letting the bottle stand in the room for about half an hour.

There may be some stinging or discomfort at first, this is normal and should go away after a few seconds. If it persists, speak to your pharmacist.

Your carer, care home staff or family member can help you use ear drops correctly.

Visit

https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/ear-care- service for videos demonstrating how to correct use ear drops.

When using ear drops:

1. Wash your hands before you begin
2. Lie down, or tilt your head a little, so that the affected ear is facing upwards
3. Gently pull your earlobe to straighten the ear canal
4. Release 4-5 drops into your ear to fill the ear canal. Try not to touch the inside of your ear with the dropper as you do this. If the drops are for a child, only insert as many drops as are needed to fill the ear canal
5. Massage the front of the ear to encourage the drops to flow down the ear canal
6. Keep your ear facing upwards for 5-10 minutes to keep the solution in your ear
7. Repeat the process in your other ear if you have been asked to use the drops in both ears.