Transcription: The ear canal is straightened by pulling the outer ear upward and outward for an adult or downward and outward for a child. The dropper is held about one-half inch above the canal and the prescribed number of drops are placed in the ear. After placing drops in one ear, the patient should remain still for two to three minutes. The flap in front of the ear is gently massaged in a circular motion to help the drops flow down the ear canal.