Properly administering ear drops is typically a two-person job, except with older, cooperative children and adults.
Place the patient’s head on a flat surface, such as your lap or couch with the ear that needs drops facing up.
Gently pull the Pinna (see diagram below) of the ear upward. The purpose of this is to open the ear canal as widely as possible.
Drip 3-5 drops into the patient’s ear canal. Then firmly pump on the Tragus (see diagram below) for approximately 5-10 seconds. This will help the drops pass through the ear canal and tube, into the middle ear, preventing infection or blockage of the tube with dried secretions. If done correctly, older children and adults may report that they taste the drops. If so, you can stop pumping.
Before raising the patient’s head, place a cotton ball in the ear to prevent the drops from draining out of the ear.
Repeat this method on the opposite side if your doctor has instructed you to use these drops in both ears.
