Ear drops are a common treatment for many ear canal problems. They can ease pain, clear infection, soften earwax and reduce swelling or itching. You can buy some ear drops over the counter or by prescription from a health care provider.
But using the wrong drops or using them incorrectly can worsen symptoms or even cause damage.
We spoke with Chris Adams, PA, an otolaryngology (ENT) physician assistant, to understand more about ear drops, what they’re meant to treat and how to use them safely.
What do ear drops treat?
Ear drops are liquid medications used to treat conditions affecting the outer or middle ear. The outer ear includes the visible ear and the ear canal. The middle ear includes the eardrum and three tiny bones.
Common uses of ear drops include:
Outer ear infections
“The most common problem that ear drops treat is otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear,” Adams said. “It can cause pain along with swelling, itching, drainage and decreased hearing.”
Swimmer’s ear is an ear infection of the outer ear, usually caused by bacteria. Prescription ear drops may contain antibiotics, steroids to reduce swelling or antifungal medicine.
Earwax buildup
Earwax isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it protects the ear canal. However, for some people, it can cause problems such as hearing loss, discomfort, and, in some cases, infections.
Over-the-counter (OTC) ear drops, such as Cerumenex, Debrox and Murine, use hydrogen peroxide or enzymes to soften hardened earwax so it drains naturally. Do not use them if you have a perforated eardrum, as they could damage your hearing if they enter the middle ear.
Adams does not recommend removing earwax yourself. Avoid cotton swabs, paper clips, bobby pins, and ear candling to remove earwax. See a health care provider or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you believe you have earwax stuck in your ear.
Ear pain or inflammation
Some OTC ear drops can help reduce pain, redness or swelling caused by irritation or infection. However, ear pain often stems from other sources such as the throat or the jaw joint, so drops that numb the ear aren’t recommended.
“Drops for ear pain often contain benzocaine and typically will not help and have not been FDA-approved,” Adams said.
Dry, itchy ears
“Some people will use steroid-only ear drops to help with skin disorders of the ear, such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis,” Adams said.
These drops help reduce itching, soothe irritation and help dry skin heal. Common steroids used include hydrocortisone and dexamethasone.
Is it safe to use ear drops?
In most cases, ear drops are safe as long as your eardrum is intact.
The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. When there’s a hole or tear (perforation) in the eardrum, drops can reach areas they aren’t meant to, which may cause pain or even harm hearing.
Some drops, such as those containing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or certain antibiotics, can be painful or unsafe if they reach the middle ear.
“If there’s any concern about a perforated eardrum, OTC drops should be avoided until a health care specialist checks you,” Adams said.
Tips for using ear drops correctly (step by step)
Using ear drops properly helps them reach the affected ear canal and work as intended.
“Ear drops work by absorbing directly into the infected tissue as opposed to oral antibiotics that are distributed through the bloodstream,” Adams said. “If they are not applied correctly, they will be less effective.”
Before using ear drops, read the instructions. If they’re unclear, ask your provider or a pharmacist for help.
Always wash your hands with soap and water to prevent bacteria from entering the ear.
Usage for adults and teens
- Warm the ear drop bottle in your hands: Any drops that are cold (or too warm) can cause dizziness when placed in the ear canal.
- Pull your ear up and back: Gently pulling the top of your ear helps straighten the ear canal so drops can travel deeper.
- Position your head: Tilt your head so the affected ear is facing up, allowing gravity to help the drops penetrate deeply into the ear canal.
- Apply the correct number of drops: Place the dropper tip just at the opening of the ear canal. Avoid touching the ear with the dropper.
- Press on the tragus: After applying the drops, gently push on the flap of tissue at the front of the ear canal called the tragus a few times to push the drops deeper into the ear. Gravity and gentle pressure are usually enough, so you don’t need to stay with your head tilted to the side.
- Keep water out of the ears: Do not flush or rinse your ears with water while using ear drops. Water can worsen infection and slow healing.
Mistakes to avoid when using ear drops
Common mistakes include:
- Touching the dropper tip to your ear or hands
- Using ear drops more often than directed
- Using the wrong product for the problem
- Assuming all ear pain means infection
- Using cotton swabs (Q-tips) to “clean” the ear canal
- Pumping or flushing the ear with water during treatment
- Stopping antibiotic drops early because symptoms improve
These mistakes may reduce effectiveness or worsen an ear problem.
When should I contact my health care provider?
Contact your provider or an ear, nose, and throat specialist if your ear hurts, ear drops cause you pain, you have trouble hearing or you are experiencing other symptoms such as dizziness or ringing.
You should also get checked out if you think you may have a hole in your eardrum. In those cases, it’s best not to use any drops until a specialist examines your ear.
Takeaway
Using ear drops correctly improves comfort, safety and effectiveness.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your ear problem or whether ear drops could help, we’re all ears. Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist.
