When recommending ear drops, the following advice on how to use them can be given, along with a reminder to read the patient information leaflet carefully:

• Warm the bottle by holding it for a few minutes
• Remove any visible wax or discharge from the ear gently, using a piece of cotton wool 
• Tilt the head to one side so that the ear points towards the ceiling
• Use a hand to straighten the ear canal – in adults, pull the ear up and back, and for children, gently pull the ear lobe down and back
• Apply the drops into the ear canal, taking care not to touch the dropper on the ear
• Keep the head tilted and gently pull and push the ear to work the drops in for about 30 seconds
• Keep the head in the tilted position for around three to five minutes so that the drops don’t come straight out again
• After returning the head to the normal position, excess solution can be wiped away. Some products may recommend using a cotton wool plug in the ear
• Some people may find it easier to ask someone else to insert the drops.