Otitis externa is inflammation, with or without infection, of the external ear canal. Many cases recover after thorough cleansing of the external ear canal by suction or dry mopping.

Caution is advised to ensure that the repeated episodes of irritation and discharge represent genuine otitis externa, and not an underlying chronic otitis media with perforation.

Ear swabs for culture should be reserved for treatment failures or chronic cases. They may be carried out using a urethral swab (i.e. narrow cotton-tipped swab on a wire, not a 'throat' swab).

When considering specialist referral see: North Devon CRG: Otitis Externa and East Devon CRG: Otitis Externa.

Chronic or recurrent otitis externa

Some patients present with frequent otitis externa that may be related to water sports, vigorous ear cleaning or chronic dermatitis. For patients who develop itching, pain or irritation of the ear canals after exposure to water, an acetic acid (vinegar) and alcohol based ear wash can be very effective in avoiding development of infective and more severe otitis externa by immediate use after water has entered the ears. A preparation called EarCalm spray is on sale to the public.

Anti-inflammatory preparations

Early brief treatment (as short as 48 hours) of exacerbations of chronic eczematous otitis externa with steroid ear drops may be helpful; however, avoid prolonged use of topical steroids. Microsuction should be considered where there is a build-up of debris or and inadequate response to initial topical treatment.

Betamethasone

• Drops 0.1% (£2.32 = 10ml)

Indications and dose

• Eczematous inflammation in otitis externa
  • Apply 2–3 drops every 2–4 hours, reduce frequency when relief obtained.

Prednisolone sodium phosphate

• Drops 0.5% (£2.57 = 10ml)

Indications and dose

• Eczematous inflammation in otitis externa
  • Apply 2–3 drops every 2–3 hours, reduce frequency when relief obtained.

Anti-infective preparations

Infective otitis externa may be treated with aural antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops. There are no indications for systemic treatment unless systemic symptoms or local spread leading to oedema, cellulitis and erysipelas. Solutions containing a corticosteroid agent are useful for treating cases with inflammation and eczema.

Consideration should be given to the fact that pseudomonal resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics is growing.

In view of reports of ototoxicity, manufacturer's contra-indicate treatment with a topical aminoglycoside or polymixins in those with a perforated tympanic membrane (eardrum) or patent grommet.

If infection is present a topical anti-infective agent that is not usually used systemically (e.g. neomycin or clioquinol) may be used, but for about a week as excessive use may result in fungal infections. Fungal infections are usually difficult to treat and specialist referral should be considered if this is suspected (see below for further information).

Flumetasone 0.02% / Clioquinol 1%

• Ear drops (£11.34 = 7.5ml)

Indications and dose

• Acute otitis externa
  • Adult and child over 2 years- apply 2-3 drops into the ear twice daily for 7-10 days

Notes

1. Combines the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of clioquinol with the anti-inflammatory activity of flumetasone pivalate.
2. Do not use for more than 7-10 days to prevent fungal overgrowth or resistance.
3. May cause stinging and can stain clothing.
4. Oil-based ear drops and cannot be easily used with an ear wick unless the wick is expanded by a water-based drops first.
5. Manufacturer advises avoid in perforated tympanic membrane (but may be used by specialist for short periods).

Ciprofloxacin 0.3% / Dexamethasone 0.1%

• Ear drops (£6.12 = 5ml)

Indications and dose

• Acute otitis externa
  • Adults and children over 1 year of age: Instil four drops in the affected ear(s) twice a day for 7 days

Notes

1. May be preferred in cases of tympanic perforation (unlicensed indication).
2. The manufacturer advises further evaluation of underlying conditions if otorrhoea persists after a full course, or if at least two episodes of otorrhoea occur within 6 months.

Gentamicin 0.3% / Hydrocortisone acetate 1%

• Ear drops (£33.26 = 10ml)

Indications and dose

• Eczematous inflammation in otitis externa
  • Adult and child: Apply 2–4 drops every 6-8 hours and at night for 7-10 days

Notes

1. Contraindicated in perforated tympanic membrane although may be used by specialists.

Sofradex

(combination of dexamethasone 0.05%, framycetin sulphate 0.5%, gramicidin 0.005%)

• Drops (£7.50 = 10ml)

Indications and dose

• Acute otitis externa (more severe cases / microbiologically indicated)
  • Adults and child over 3 years- instil 2 drops 3-4 times daily and at night

Notes

1. Contraindicated in perforated tympanic membrane although may be used by specialists.

Gentamicin

• Drops 0.3% (£20.00 = 10ml)

Indications and dose

• Bacterial infection in otitis externa
  • Adult and child: Apply 2–4 drops every 6-8 hours and at night for 7-10 days

Notes

1. Contraindicated in perforated tympanic membrane although may be used by specialists.

Fungal infection

Fungal external ear infections are not unusual and may be the result of over-use of aural and oral antibiotics. They may be difficult to treat; specialist referral should be considered if treatment with clotrimazole ear drops fails to resolve symptoms.

Clotrimazole

• Solution 1% (£2.53 = 20ml)

Indications and dose

• Initial management of fungal infection (before referral to secondary care)
  • Adult and child: Apply 2–3 times daily continuing for at least 14 days after disappearance of infection