Application of ear drops

It is essential that the ear wax is sufficiently softened before an ear syringing appointment to ensure the procedure is safe and effective.

Which ear drops?

Medical grade (extra virgin) olive oil ear drops are recommended. This is because they are gentle to the ear canal and therefore minimize the risk of irritation occurring. A pipette can be purchased from any chemist for approximately £1 and can be used to apply extra virgin olive oil easily and precisely to the affected ear/ ears. Alternatively, a small bottle of medical grade olive oil with a pipette costs approximately £3 from any chemist.

How to apply ear drops

Apply 2-3 drops of olive oil to the ear canal three times each day for at least 3 days prior to your ear syringing appointment.

Tilt your head to the left whilst applying drops to your right ear and keep the head tilted for 3-5 minutes to allow the drops to soak into the ear canal. Repeat on you left ear by tilting your head to your right.

Never put cotton wool or tissue into the ear to ‘keep the wax in the ear’. Absorbent materials such as cotton wool will absorb the drops out of the ear and will prevent the drops from reaching the wax.

Please note- deafness can temporarily deteriorate after applying ear drops, due to the wax softening and blocking the ear canal further. However, this will instantly be resolved when ear syringing is performed. If deafness does deteriorate it is important to continue applying ear drops as recommended to ensure that ear syringing can be safely and effectively performed during your appointment.