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• The ear canal is self-cleaning. Do not insert any implements such as cotton buds into the ear. They will damage the delicate skin lining the ear and increase the chance of you developing an ear infection, itchy ears or a problem with wax.
  
• To dry / clean the outside of the ear use a dry tissue or alcohol free baby wipes around and behind the ear after showering or bathing.
• If you suffer from excessive wax; insertion of 1 to 2 drops of olive oil on a regular basis may help the ear clean itself.
• If the entrance to the ear canal is dry and/ or itchy, you may find it of benefit to insert one drop of olive oil into the ear canal as instructed by your nurse. Keep the ears dry from any entry of water, as it may be shampoos and soaps irritating the skin.
• If you have experienced an external ear infection keep the ears dry from any entry of water.
• To keep the ears dry from water entry use cotton wool coated in petroleum jelly or ear plugs placed at the entrance to both ear canals.
• If the symptoms with your ear do not improve make an appointment with your nurse or doctor.

How to insert olive oil drops into the ear canal

To obtain the olive oil drops purchase olive oil and the glass dropper bottle that has been designed for ear drops from a chemist. If you have used previous wax dissolving drops, discard all the liquid, wash out the glass bottle and when the container is clean, insert olive oil (almond oil/coconut oil could be used if you do not suffer from a nut allergy).

1. Insert the closed glass dropper bottle containing the oil into a cup of warm water for two minutes. Dry the container and insert one-drop of oil onto your hand to ensure that it is not too hot. If you feel the oil is too hot wait for it to cool prior to commencing. The correct temperature of the oil should be 37°C. Alternatively, for the oil to reach body temperature (37°C) place the bottle in a pocket of your clothing currently being worn for 20 to 30 minutes.
   
   
2. Holding the prepared dropper bottle lie on a bed with the affected ear towards the ceiling.
   
   
3. With one hand pull the top of your ear upwards and outwards to straighten the ear canal.
   
   
4. Placing the filled dropper part of the bottle of oil over the entrance to your ear canal and squeeze the dropper until one drop (or the amount specified by your nurse) is instilled. Maintain that position for five minutes. Wipe the excess drops that pool outside the ear when you sit up. Do not insert cotton wool into the entrance of the ear canal as this will absorb the drops.
   
   
5. If the drops are to be inserted into both ears, repeat steps two to four on the opposite side.

Patient Advice Prior to Ear Irrigation

• Insert 1 to 2 drops of olive oil into the ear(s) requiring wax removal every morning and evening, commencing one week prior to the appointment.
  
• Continue to use the drops twice daily until the wax has been successfully removed.
• Instilling olive oil (coconut or almond oil can be used as an alternative if you do not suffer with a nut allergy) will assist with the wax removal process and reduce discomfort that may be felt during the procedure.

Patient Advice Post Ear Irrigation

• The ear canal may be vulnerable to an ear infection after irrigation. This is caused by removal of all the wax, which has inherent protective properties for the ear canal.
  
• Until the ear produces more wax to protect the canal keep the ear(s) that have been irrigated dry from entry of water for a minimum of four or five days after the procedure.
• To keep the ears dry when you are washing your hair, showering, bathing or swimming, insert ear plugs or cotton wool coated in petroleum jelly into the outside of the ear canal(s) to act as a protective seal.
• In the unlikely event that you develop pain, dizziness, reduced hearing or discharge from the ear after the procedure, consult with your nurse/ doctor.

Hilary Harkin