Otitis Externa

When to see:

See next available e-clinic (unless facial palsy present)

Investigations to request:

Micro swab (in resistant cases)

CT Petrous Bones (with VII palsy) or in resistant cases

Potential Risks:

Hearing Loss

Ear canal stenosis

Underlying cholesteatoma in persistent cases

Consider necrotizing OE in immunocompromised patients

Treatment:

Aural toilet (microsuction)

Analgesia e.g. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Codeine

1st line ear drops: Topical levofloxacin/ciprofloxacin ear drops 2 drops BD 7/7

IF CANAL STENOSES – insert OTO WICK soaked in ointment/drops

2nd line drops: Sofradex/Gentisone HC

Canesten drops 2 drops TDS 3/52 (in fungal cases)