Ear syringing patient information leaflet

If you have been referred by one of the Enhanced Access clinicians for ear syringing please follow the instructions below:

 Which ear drops should I use?

We recommend the use of 2 to 4 drops of olive oil (at room temperature), instilled into the ear canal 3-4 times a day for 3-5 initially prior to wax removal.

What is the most effective way to instil the ear drops?

1. Lie down on your side with the affected ear uppermost.
2. Drop 3 drops of oil into the ear canal. Hold the tip of your ear and pull it gently backwards and upwards, then massage just in front of the ear – this enables the oil to run down the ear canal.
3. Stay lying down for 5 minutes and then get up and wipe away the excess oil. DO NOT leave cotton wool at the entrance to the ear.
4. Repeat the procedure with the opposite ear if you also have a wax problem there.

If the doctor has prescribed antibiotic / anti-inflammatory ear drops, they can be instilled as follows:

1. Hold the head over with the affected ear uppermost.
2. Drop the prescribed amount into the affected ear. Hold the tip of your ear and pull it gently backwards and upwards, then massage just in front of the ear – this enables the drops to run down the ear canal.
3. Return the head to the upright position and wipe away any excess drops. DO NOT leave cotton wool at the entrance to the ear.
4. Repeat as prescribed.
5. If you have had a recent middle ear infection, you must wait a minimum of 6 weeks after the infection has cleared before irrigation.

 If your ears clear during the time you are oiling, please cancel your appointment.

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, you can contact us by email at

d-icb.7day.gpservice@nhs.net. Our telephone line 07523 888015 is open between the hours of

Friday 18:00-20:00, Saturday 08:00-18:00 and Sunday 08:00-13:00.

For other queries please contact your GP surgery in usual surgery hours.

If you have been added to the waiting list for an appointment, please continue to instil oil as we may call you at short notice to attend.