How should ear drops be administered to an adult?

• A. Warm to body temperature; pull the outer ear up and back; administer drops toward the ear canal; keep patient supine for a bit.
• B. Cool the drops; pull the ear lobe downward; spray into the ear canal.
• C. Administer at room temperature; pull the ear up and back; have patient sit upright.
• D. Warm the drops; insert drops directly onto the eardrum; immediately stand.

Answer: (A)

The technique tested here focuses on delivering ear drops so the medication reaches the ear canal comfortably and effectively. Warming the drops to body temperature helps prevent dizziness or discomfort that cold drops can cause. Gently pulling the outer ear up and back straightens the ear canal for an adult, making it easier for the drops to flow in rather than along to the eardrum or behind the canal. Apply the drops toward the ear canal, not directly onto the eardrum, and keep the patient supine for a short time after administration so the droplets stay in the canal long enough to begin absorption. This combination—warmth, proper canal alignment for adults, aiming into the canal, and a brief lying-down period—optimizes comfort and effectiveness. Avoiding cool drops, pulling the ear lobe in the infant direction, spraying into the canal, or dropping straight onto the eardrum protects the ear from irritation and potential damage.