Directions for Ear Oil Drops

Oils, such as mineral oil, lavender oil, olive oil and garlic oil, are used to relieve ear pain and soften ear wax. Ear oils typically come in half-ounce bottles with a dropper top and are available at health food stores, grocery stores and herb shops.

Things You'll Need

• Ear oil drops
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  The patient should remain lying down after oil has been inserted.

  Lie on your side or place your head comfortably on a table. Have a towel handy to catch drips.

• 2

  Warm the bottle of oil in the hands.

  Warm the oil by holding the bottle tightly in your hand. Do not run the bottle under hot water or warm it on the stove or in a microwave. Doing so could cause the oil to get too hot and cause injury.

• 3

  Hold the dropper above your ear, place one to two drops of oil into the ear canal. Do not insert the dropper into the ear canal as this could cause injury.

• 4

  The patient must keep her head sideways for a few minutes.

  Remain on your side for five minutes to prevent the oil from flowing out of the ear. A warm compress placed on the outside of the ear may be used for additional comfort.