Ear Wick in Treating Ear Infections

Introduction

Ear infections develop for many reasons, but they are all related to the amount of ear wax in one’s ear. Ear wax helps in preventing fungal and bacterial infections. Removing ear wax with cotton swabs, excess showering, or swimming are some reasons for infections to occur in the ear. Getting the proper treatment at the right time helps improve the quality of life and health by reducing suffering from ear infections like pain, discharge, itching, and hearing loss.

What Is an Otitis Externa?

Infection of the ear causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of an ear and is known as otitis. Inflammation of the external part of the ear canal that does not go beyond the eardrum is called otitis externa. Parts of the ear include the following:

Outer Ear: Consists of the pinna or auricle, the ear canal, and the ear drum (tympanic membrane), which divides the external ear from the middle ear.

Middle Ear: Also called a tympanic cavity, and consists of ossicles.

Inner Ear: Consists of the cochlea.

What Are the Causes of Otitis Externa?

The causes of ear infections are the following:

Foreign Substances Entering the Ear: If water gets into the ear every day, this keeps the ear wet and may become a route for causing infections by germs. Infections may cause itching, making the person scratch the area, which can get damaged. Damaged skin in the ear canal itches more and worsens the situation.

Swimming: Regular swimming, especially in rivers, lakes, and ponds, may lead to ear infections.

Warm Weather: Sweating is more common in warm weather, which may lead to ear infections.

Skin Problems: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis may affect the ear canal.

Excessive Ear Wax: Ear wax traps debris and water, possibly leading to ear infections.

Middle Ear Infection: Continuous discharge in middle ear infection may get stuck in the ear canal, leading to otitis externa.

What Are the Symptoms of Otitis Externa?

Symptoms of otitis externa are the following:

• Itching.

• Discharge in the ear.

• Temporary hearing loss.

• Pain in the ear.

• Blocked ears (both or one ear may get affected).

• Glands in the neck or surrounding the ear may enlarge and become sore.

What Are the Different Types of Otitis Externa?

Types of otitis externa are

• Acute Otitis: The duration of occurrence is short. It may be for weeks (below three months).

• Chronic Otitis: The condition may last for more than three months. It may go up to a year.

• Recurrent Otitis: The condition gets repeated more times, even after treatments.

How to Diagnose Otitis Externa?

The following methods can make the diagnosis:

• Observation: By observing inside the ears, one can notice redness and swelling. The skin inside the ear canal is scaly or shedding.

• Movement of the Site: Touching or moving the ear (outer part) may increase the pain. The eardrum may look hard due to swelling in the outer ear. The hole may be present in the eardrum, known as perforation.

• Microscopic Examination: Fluid may be taken from the ear and sent to the laboratory for investigation for bacteria or fungus.

What Is the Treatment of Otitis Externa?

Treatment options for ear infections are as follows:

1) Medical Treatment: Ear infections may be treated with oral or topical drugs through tablets or ear drops. Painkillers (stronger) may be indicated in severe pain. Antibiotics are given in case of severe infections.

• Outer Ear: For the outer ear, drops are preferred over tablets. Sometimes antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ear drops or ointments may be used.

• Middle Ear: For the middle ear, antibiotics or decongestant tablets, steroids, or nasal sprays can be used.

• Inner Ear: Anti-inflammatory (steroid), vasodilators, antiviral or antibiotic tablets, and topical drugs can be given.

2) Excision: Lumps present in the outer ear are removed with the help of local anesthesia. Generally, this lump is sent for histopathological examination at the lab.

3) Microsuction: This procedure removes wax, discharge, dead skin, and other materials blocking the ear canal. Topical medication can also be used if necessary. The high-powered microscope is used to view the ear canal and eardrum. A small vacuum sucker is used to remove material from the ear canal. Ear syringing is an old method used to clear wax but cannot be performed if the infection is present at the site.

4) Removal of Foreign Bodies: Foreign objects like cotton, hearing aid pieces, and even small toys or beads put into the ears by children can cause infections. These can be taken out carefully to avoid injury to the ear canal and not damage the eardrum by pushing the objects further. Fine microforceps, hooks, or microsections can remove foreign objects. Occasionally, gentle irrigation is done.

5) Ear Wicks and Dressing: An ear wick is a piece of gauze (sponge) used to put antibiotic drops deep into the ear canal. They are pushed gently into the ear canal between the swollen wall. When they get soaked with drops, they enlarge in the ear canal. This allows medicinal drops to stay long in contact with the sore skin. This is also called otowick placement treatment and is highly effective in case of ear infections. After inserting an ear wick 1.5 centimeters long into the ear canal using a microscope and microforceps, it will be left there for a few days. This provides local drug absorption. Osseous ear wicks, which are soft and resilient, are designed to be used to treat otitis externa to deliver antibiotic solutions to the ear canal and ear canal membrane. Another type of ear wick, known as osseous ear wick, helps treat external ear infections. They are designed to deliver antibiotic solutions to the ear canal. They are soft and resilient. Otitis externa has a good prognosis with proper treatment.

What Are the Complications of Otitis Externa?

Complications that might occur are

• Infection may spread to the skull bone.

• The severity of the infection may rise in people whose immune systems are weak, called malignant otitis externa. These are given high-dose antibiotics through veins.

How to Prevent Otitis Externa?

By following the below-given steps, otitis externa can be prevented. They are:

• Do not scratch the ears or put any foreign objects into the ears.

• Always keep your ears dry and clean.

• To dry the ears after it gets wet.

• Avoid swimming in open water.

• While swimming, do use earplugs.

• Putting a mixture of vinegar and alcohol into the ears prevents bacterial growth.

Conclusion

The ear is an essential organ of the body. Its function help a person lead a good quality of life in society, as humans are social beings. Ear infections commonly occur as one gets exposed to various factors causing infections. Hence, it is always better to know about ear infections and other aspects to care for one’s ears. This helps in early diagnosis of the disease and further helps in effective treatment.