Here is a comprehensive summary of the Wikipedia article on ear drops:

Ear drops are topical medications used to treat ear infections, inflammation, impacted earwax, and provide local anesthesia, typically for short-term use. Proper administration varies by age: adults and children over three should gently pull the ear back and up, while those under three require the earlobe pulled back and down to straighten the ear canal. While side effects are generally uncommon, they can include minor discomfort, itching, or brief dizziness if the drops are cold, and open bottles should generally be discarded within four weeks of opening. A critical safety rule is that ear drops should never be used in the eyes (though eye drops can be safe for ears if prescribed) and must be avoided if a patient has a ruptured eardrum unless directed by a doctor. Because earwax naturally protects the ear canal, ear drops are most helpful when overactive glands produce excessive wax, breaking it down safely without using cotton buds, which can cause inflammation.