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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEar drops are used to treat common ear problems, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Ear pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Middle ear infections<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Earwax buildup<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Swimmer\u2019s ear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The type of ear drops you use will depend on what exactly you are treating. Some examples of what different drops can do include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Acid-based detergents break up earwax<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alcohol and acetic acid solutions are used to prevent swimmer\u2019s ear. However, research has shown that \u201ccorticosteroids are more effective than acetic acid ear drops<\/a> in the treatment\u201d of swimmer\u2019s ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anesthetics are used for ear pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
How To Administer Ear Drops<\/h2>\n\n\n
Read the instructions before using any ear drops to make sure you know the proper dosage and don\u2019t have any additional questions for your pharmacist or medical provider. It\u2019s also a good idea to wash your hands before use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To administer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Fold a towel and lay it on a kitchen or bathroom counter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lay your head on the towel with the affected ear facing up<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gently pull your earlobe out and up to straighten the ear canal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Squeeze the recommended number of drops into the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep your head down for a minute so the medication can fully reach and coat the ear canal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If both ears are affected, repeat the same process with the other ear. If you need to administer ear drops to a child, follow the same steps for them, ideally with one adult to keep the child still and the other to put the ear drops in.<\/p>\n\n\n
Are Ear Drops Safe For Everyone?<\/h2>\n\n\n
While ear drops are typically quite safe, there are some circumstances where you should avoid using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n