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To soften ear wax and prevent a build up of wax

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

To soften ear wax and prevent a build up of wax

Patient information leaflets

NHS Borders

ENT Department
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
TD6 9BS
Telephone 01896 826133

"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."

Put 3 to 4 drops of Olive Oil into the affected ear every night for one week. Plug the ear with dry cotton wool.
Take out the cotton wool in the morning.
This will soften the wax and it will be naturally drawn out.
Do this every night for one week in each month to stop the wax building up again.
Do not use cotton buds or things like hair grips to clean your ears. They will damage the delicate lining of your ear canal or even perforate your ear drum.

Last reviewed: 19/04/2024

Next review date: 30/04/2027

Author(s): Carr E.

Author email(s): esmond.carr@nhs.scot.

Approved By: Clinical Governance & Quality

Reviewer name(s): Carr E.