Ear Drops for Removing Foreign Material from the Ear

Proper Administration Technique

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends having someone else administer the drops if possible, as this significantly improves proper application, with only 40% of patients self-medicating appropriately 1
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery suggests positioning with the affected ear facing upward 2
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends keeping drops in the ear for 3-5 minutes by maintaining head position or placing cotton in the ear, and using gentle to-and-fro movement of the ear or tragal pumping to help the drops penetrate 2

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends professional aural toilet (cleaning) if the ear canal is obstructed by debris to ensure effective drug delivery 3
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery suggests aural toilet can be performed by a clinician using gentle lavage with body-temperature water, saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide 4
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends suction or dry mop technique (blotting with cotton-tipped applicator) for aural toilet 4

Patients should not attempt to clean the ear themselves as the ear canal is tender and self-cleaning could damage the ear canal or eardrum, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 5
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery advises that ear candles should never be used as they have been shown to produce harm including obstruction of the ear canal with paraffin, hearing loss, and perforation of the tympanic membrane 6

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends avoiding ear lavage in diabetic or immunocompromised patients as it has been implicated as a contributing factor in malignant otitis externa 4
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery suggests atraumatic cleaning with aural suctioning under microscopic guidance for high-risk patients 4
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery advises discontinuing use and consulting a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or unexpected symptoms develop 6

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends using body-temperature water or saline solution for ear irrigation to avoid causing vertigo or discomfort, and directing the irrigation stream along the wall of the ear canal rather than directly at the tympanic membrane to prevent injury 7
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery advises against attempting ear irrigation at home using oral jet irrigators, as these can cause injury to the ear canal, and against using cotton-tip swabs for foreign body removal as they can push the object deeper or cause trauma to the ear canal 7
Irrigation can cause temporary vertigo, pain, or external auditory canal trauma if performed incorrectly, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 7