Earwax treatment recommendations for children and young people

Patient Information Leaflet

Warning! Never use cotton buds in the ear!

It can cause damage, irritate the ear, push wax further into the ear or cause an infection.

• Recommendations for:

Date: ……………………………………………………………………….

Signature: ……………………………………………………………….

How to insert ear drops

1. Warm the drops to body temperature. Place the bottle in the palm of your hand or another warm part of your body for around 10 minutes.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and wipe the bottle with a clean cloth or wipe.

3. Shake the container well.

4. Draw some of the liquid into the dropper.

5. Tilt the affected ear up or lie your child on their side.

6. To allow the drops to run in, gently pull the ear lobe up and out to straighten the ear canal.

7. Place the prescribed drops in the ear. Do not insert the dropper into the ear.

8. Gently press the soft skin covering the ear canal opening (the 'tragus')a few times so that the ear drops go in. You might see some air bubbles coming up. Then massage the area gently.

Keep the ear tilted or the child lying on the side for 4-5 minutes if possible.

9. To protect your linen or clothing you can place soft cotton wool in the outer ear but remove it 10 to 20 minutes later.

10. Wash your hands to remove any liquid and make sure the bottle is clean too. Store the bottle as recommended.

Acknowledgement: Thank you to Dr Sebastian Hendricks, Audio-Vestibular Physician and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Medical Illustration RNTNEH, for permission to use photographs and content of this leaflet.