Instructions
Your wash routine
Read through all steps and precautions before beginning. Complete the wash twice daily as instructed by your care team.
Prepare the solution
Mix ½ cup ordinary white vinegar with ½ cup warm tap water. Do not substitute wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
A solution that is too hot or too cold may cause dizziness. Keep the bottle in your pocket or near your body to bring it closer to body temperature.
Wash your ear
Fill a rubber ear syringe, available at a pharmacy, with the half-strength solution. Wash the ear several times using the syringe as directed by your clinical team.
Keep the treated ear pointed down toward the sink so the solution can drain out.
Mild dizziness may occur. Using a body-temperature solution can help avoid temperature-related dizziness.
Dry the ear one hour later
One hour after washing, hold a hair dryer an arm's length away and direct warm, dry air toward the ear for several minutes, until the ear is dry.
Between washes
Keep your ear dry
Do not allow soap, water, or steam to enter the ear canal. When showering or washing your hair:
- Completely saturate a cotton ball with Vaseline (petroleum jelly), working it in until no dry cotton remains.
- Place the cotton ball in the outer ear only. Do not push it down into the ear canal.
- Use the cotton ball with Vaseline as instructed. Do not substitute a different ear covering.
- To prepare a week's supply, put seven cotton balls and Vaseline in a small zip-top bag and work the Vaseline thoroughly into the cotton.
Important precautions
When to stop and contact us
Stop the vinegar washes and send a message through the patient portal if itching, burning, or increased ear discharge develops after the first few applications.
Stop all treatment to the ear 24 hours before your next office visit.
Questions or concerns?
We're here to help.
For treatment questions, new irritation, burning, or increased drainage, contact our clinical team through the secure patient portal.