Otic Disorders

signs of infection
pain w/ ear discharge
bleeding/trauma
ruptured tympanic membrane
ear surgery within last 6 weeks
tympanostomy tubes
incapable of following instructions
hypersensitivity to recommended agents
<12 years old

ear wax

secretions from the ear canal & sloughed epithelial cells

lubricates canal
traps dust & foreign materials
waterproof barrier
antibacterial properties

sensation of ear fullness, dull pain, or itching
can also see tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, cough, & hearing loss

hearing aids
earplugs
headphones
cotton swabs

cerumenolytic agents w/ or w/o irrigation
manual removal by provider
observation

carbamide peroxide 6.5% in anhydrous glycerin
-the only FDA approved agent

12 years & older

5-10 drops BID PRN up to 4 days

choline salicylate
potassium carbonate
distilled water
saline
phenazole
urea peroxide
docusate sodium

almond oil
benzocaine
chlorbutanol
triethanolamine polypeptide

irrigation

sterile water

only if earwax has migrated to the outer external ear canal
only for adult use

shape of ear canal & excessive cerumen
excessive moisture
cotton tips, headphones, etc

tissue maceration, which can cause itching, pain, inflammation, & infection

an infection of the external auditory canal
"otitis externa"

earplug products: leave in canal 5-10 minutes after swimming to absorb any trapped water then discard
pull gently on ear lobe while tilting head downwards
use blow dryer on lowest setting pointed towards ear canal

isopropyl alcohol 95% in anhydrous glycerin 5%
-only FDA approved "ear drying agent"

50:50 mixture of acetic acid (white vinegar) & isopropyl alcohol 95%
-has bactericidal & antifungal properties
-lowers pH of ear

cider vinegar