How to apply olive oil ear drops

Please use olive oil drops for 0 days before your appointment. Softening the wax helps it come away easily during microsuction, so your visit is more comfortable and we can clear both ears in one go.

What you’ll need

• Plain olive oil (or a pharmacy olive-oil ear-drop spray), at room temperature.
• A clean dropper or pipette if using bottled olive oil.
• A tissue and, ideally, a few minutes to lie down.

Step by step

1. Warm the oil gently to body temperature — hold the bottle in your hand for a minute. Never heat it directly.
2. Lie on your side with the ear you’re treating facing up.
3. Gently pull the top of your ear up and back to straighten the ear canal.
4. Put 2–3 drops into the ear. Don’t insert the dropper into the canal.
5. Stay lying down for 5–10 minutes so the oil works its way in, then wipe away any excess with a tissue.
6. Repeat morning and night (or as directed) for the 0 days leading up to your appointment.

Good to know

• Your hearing may feel a little more muffled while the wax softens — that’s normal and settles after your treatment.
• Never use cotton buds — they push wax deeper and can damage the ear.
• Keep drops going right up to the day before your appointment. Don’t stop early.

When not to use drops

Please stop and call us if you have ear pain, discharge, a burst or perforated eardrum, grommets, or a current ear infection — drops may not be suitable. When in doubt, get in touch before your appointment.

Any questions?

We’re happy to help — call 07440 382502 or email bookings@ear-room.co.uk.

This guide is general advice on softening ear wax and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you’re unsure, speak to your GP or pharmacist.