Preparation for Your Ear Cleaning Appointment

Do I require drops to be used prior to my appointment?

If your ears are feeling very blocked and your hearing is affected, it would be beneficial to oil one or both affected ears for 3 days prior to your appointment, twice a day (morning and night).

Instructions for Oiling Your Ears:

• Use olive oil or cooking oil.
• Put 6-8 drops into your ear canal with an eye dropper or child’s medication syringe.
• Lie on your side for 10 minutes, massaging the oil into your canal.
• Place a cotton wool ball in your ear afterwards to absorb excess oil.
• Repeat on your other ear if needed.

DO NOT panic if your ears feel more blocked as it softens, expands, and moves the wax in your ear canal. This means it is working well and will make the removal of your wax more comfortable and easier to remove for both you and also the nurse cleaning your ears.

For Young Children:

For young children, it helps make the appointment easier and more comfortable if oil is instilled into both ears. Use 3-4 drops of olive oil or cooking oil twice daily for 2-3 days prior to the appointment.

Special Considerations:

Grommets, Perforation, or Suspected Ear Infection in Your Ear Canal: If you have grommets, a perforation (hole) in your ear drum, or a suspected ear infection, it is important that you DO NOT place any drops in your ears, unless prescribed by your GP.

Preparing your ears properly can make the ear cleaning process smoother and more effective. If you have any questions or concerns about how to prepare for your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.