Do I need to use olive oil drops before my appointment?

Short answer

Helpful if possible, but not essential. Softening with olive oil (or Earol olive oil spray) for 3–5 days usually makes the wax easier to lift out, particularly if the wax is hard or impacted.

How to use olive oil drops

1. Warm a small bottle of plain olive oil to body temperature in your hand.
2. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
3. Place 2–3 drops in the ear canal.
4. Stay still for 5 minutes so the drops can soak in.
5. Repeat morning and evening for 3–5 days before your microsuction appointment.

Sodium bicarbonate drops (available over the counter) are an effective alternative.

How to use Earol olive oil spray

Earol is olive oil in a metered spray, which many people find less messy than drops. To use it:

1. Tilt your head to one side, blocked ear facing up.
2. Deliver one spray into the ear canal.
3. Keep your head tilted for about 1 minute so the oil can work in.
4. Repeat morning and evening for 3–5 days before your appointment.

Do not use Earol if you suspect a perforated eardrum or have been told to keep the ear dry; check with the pharmacist first. For a full pre-visit checklist, see how to prepare for your appointment.

If you have not had time to use drops

Still come along. The clinician will assess the wax — if it is too hard for safe removal on the day they will explain the next step, which is usually a short course of drops followed by a return visit.

When to avoid drops

• You have a perforated eardrum or known ear surgery — speak to the clinician first.
• You have current ear pain, discharge or a fever — these may indicate infection.