Hearing and Balance Center

How to use eardrops

Wash your hands with soap and water.
If the eardrops are cold, warm the bottle between your hands for a few minutes.
Gently shake the bottle.
Take the lid off or carefully remove the dropper from the bottle. Don’t let the dropper touch anything.
Turn your head so your ear is facing the ceiling. This is easiest if you lie down.
Gently pull your earlobe up and back.
Squeeze the dropper gently and put the correct number of drops into your ear.
If drops spill onto your skin, wipe them away with a clean tissue.
Keep your head still, facing the ceiling, for 5 minutes.
Put slight pressure on the front of your ear to “pump” the drops in.
Put the lid on the bottle or replace the dropper.

Helpful tips

Follow the directions located on the label exactly.
You do not need to wake up during the night to use your eardrops unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.
Take your eardrops with you when you go out and continue to use as you would at home.
Bring your eardrops to your appointments and ask your doctor for instructions about future use.
If you’re running low on eardrops, call your doctor’s office and request a refill.
You may feel a slight stinging or burning when you first use your eardrops. This is normal. If your ears become red, swollen or itchy, contact your doctor.
Avoid getting soap or water in your ear while treating an ear problem. Place a piece of cotton covered with petroleum jelly outside the ear canal when showering or washing your hair.
You may find it’s easier to have someone put your eardrops in for you.