The instructions for the drops say to use the bulb to rinse the ear after the drops have been in. Pull the ear lobe out to the side and up, then squirt. Well, yesterday I decided to do it on and off (no rinsing as I haven't used the drops). When I did it this morning the ear popped. So that tells me that it'll ok to use drops. The ringing isn't as bad, too.

Cathy