Occasionally you may be at a placement where you are required to put drops into your client’s ears, and while you can easily do this to your own ears, handling an older, often frail client may pose issues.

Using ear drops are perfectly safe as long as the ear drum is not perforated so be sure that you are only doing this on advice from a doctor who has checked the ears out.

 

Warm the bottle

If cold drops are placed in the ear canal, they can cause dizziness. Warm the bottle by holding in your hands for a few minutes.

 

Lie down if possible

Ideally the easiest way to insert drops is to have the client lie down. If this is not possible, then help your client to lean over onto a cushion or side of armchair.

 

Gently pull the ear back

This will help to straighten the ear canal.

 

Insert the drops

Hold the dropper above the ear and squeeze in the required amount. This is normally between 4-5 drops per ear.

 

Massage the tragus

This is the small part of the ear which sticks out in front of the open ear. Massaging this opens the canal and allows more drops to pass down.

 

Stay for a few minutes

If possible, ask your client to stay in that position for a few minutes, then sit them up slowly and wipe any drops away, should they drain out.

 

Final thoughts

It is a good idea to explain to your client beforehand what you will be doing. Sometimes adding drops may cause temporary loss of hearing as the canal is blocked with liquid and this may alarm your client. Reassure them beforehand that this will soon pass and have them sit up slowly to stop any dizziness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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