How to use Olive Oil
The question is often asked, “How do I put oil in my ears?” So here are some simple steps to follow, provided that you don’t have a perforated ear-drum or an allergy to olives.
First of all, why? Why would you want to put oil in your ears? We recommend the use of oil - specifically, olive oil - in the ears once every three or four weeks to help keep the earwax in your ears soft and freely moving. If you get a build-up of wax, so that your hearing is being impaired, it is worth trying a few drops of oil in the affected ear for a few days to see if it will unblock by itself before making an appointment to have your ears checked and - if necessary - the earwax removed. Micro-suction is easier and more effective if oil has been used once or twice a day for three or four days before your appointment.
Whether you are using oil just occasionally or for a few days together, it is much easier if you can get someone else to insert the oil while you lie on your side, but it can be done - with a little care - by one person on their own. This is what you do:
What do you need? You'll need a bottle of olive oil (ideally purified and purchased from a chemist), a dropper or spray bottle, and a clean cloth or tissue.
Warm the oil. Room temperature oil works just fine, but some people prefer it to be a little warmer. If that is you, you can warm it slightly by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes.
Apply the oil. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Gently pull the outer ear upwards and backwards to straighten the ear canal. Use the dropper to put 2-3 drops of olive oil into the ear canal. That’s the bit that is easier of someone else can do it for you, but with a little care and practice it isn’t too messy. You can also do it standing up, tilting your head to one side, but staying in that position while the oil settles can be uncomfortable.
Wait and massage. You need to remain in that position for 5-10 minutes to allow the oil to get to work. While you wait, you can gently massage the area in front of your ear to help the oil to penetrate the wax and reach the bottom of the ear canal.
Clean the ear. After waiting, clean up any excess oil from the outer ear (or your face, if you spilled it!) with a soft cloth or a tissue.
The other ear. If necessary, repeat the procedure with the other ear in exactly the same way.
That’s all there is to it!