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Otitis externa Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about otitis externa

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

I seem to get a lot of ear wax. How can I get rid of it?

You shouldn't try to remove ear wax yourself. Ear wax protects your ear and trying to remove it can cause damage to your ear.

Explanation

Ear wax is there to protect your ear. It normally works its way out naturally. Occasionally however, ear wax can cause a plug in your ear and dull your hearing.

Using cotton buds or other objects to try and clean ear wax out of your ears can push it further inside, blocking your ear. Trying to remove ear wax yourself can also cause an ear infection, as you may damage the skin of your ear canal.

If you think you have a problem with ear wax, ask your GP for advice. Ear wax doesn't normally need to be removed unless it is making your ear itch, or is affecting your hearing. Your GP may suggest using olive oil ear drops to soften the wax. You can buy these from your chemist. If a plug of ear wax has formed, your GP may suggest you have your ear syringed.

When your ears are syringed, lukewarm water is squirted into your ear canal to dislodge the plug of war wax. Ear syringing itself carries a risk of ear infection if the ear canal is not dried out following the procedure. However, getting an infection is more likely if your ear has already been damaged by cotton buds or other objects.

Your GP may also ask you to use olive oil ear drops for two or three days before having your ears syringed. This is to make the ear wax easier to remove.

Sources

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What treatment is given for malignant otitis?

Malignant otitis is treated with antibiotics. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the parts of the bone that have been affected.

Explanation

Malignant otitis is a complication of otitis externa (an infection in your outer ear), in which the infection spreads from the ear to the bones of the skull and eventually to the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spine). It can be life-threatening without the necessary treatment.

You will need a number of tests in hospital to confirm whether you have malignant otitis and to find out the extent of your condition. These may include a CT (computerised tomography) scan, which will show up the extent of your bone loss on a three-dimensional image of your skull. A biopsy (a small sample of tissue) may be taken, which your ENT consultant will use to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by cancer.

You will usually have treatment with antibiotics for malignant otitis. These will be given through a drip in your arm. Sometimes, surgery will be needed to cut away the infected bone and tissue that have been destroyed.

Sources

  • Otitis externa. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 12 May 2008
  • Malignant otitis externa. British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. www.bsac.org.uk, accessed 13 May 2008
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What is the best way to apply ear drops?

You will need to tilt your head to one side or lie down while you apply your ear drops. This is so the drops do not run out of your ear.

Explanation

Your GP or pharmacist will explain how to apply your ear drops. However, here is a general guide.

  • Lie down or tilt your head so that the infected ear is pointing upwards.
  • Pull your outer ear backwards and upwards (just backwards in children).
  • Drop the prescribed number of drops into the affected ear, and massage the area of skin that forms the entrance to your ear canal (called the tragus).
  • You may need to stay with your head tilted/lying down for a few minutes.
  • Return your head to an upright position and wipe away any excess drops with tissue.
  • Don't put cotton wool into your ears after applying ear drops, as it will absorb the drops and cause them to become less effective.

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Sebastian Hendricks, MSc, Consultant in Audiovestibular Medicine, Barnet & Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, Edgware Community Hospital, and by Bupa doctors. It has also been reviewed by Deafness Research UK. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008.

 

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