Ear

Question 1

What bacteria causes otitis externa?

Answer 1

pseudomonas aeruginosa

staphylococcus aureus

Question 2

What product can be used in otitis external that reduces the pH and acts as an astringent?

Answer 2

acetic acid 2% spray

Question 3

What is the dose of acetic acid 2% spray?

Answer 3

1 spray TDS (morning, evening and after swimming/showering or bathing)

Question 4

What is the maximum duration of acetic acid 2% spray?

Answer 4

7 days because after that the efficacy is reduced

Question 5

What is the contraindication for aminoglycosides in the ear?

Answer 5

Patients with perforated tympanic membrane or grommet because of ototoxicity

Question 6

What are the 4 conditions that allows aminoglycosides to be prescribed by a specialist?

Answer 6

1) presence of infection
2) max 2 weeks
3) counsel on risk of ototoxicity
4) baseline audiometry

Question 7

What is otitis media?

Answer 7

inflammation of the middle ear associated with rapid symptoms of an ear infection

Question 8

Is otitis media self limiting?

Answer 8

Yes, within 3-7 days it should clear on it’s own

Question 9

What is the treatment for a child under 2 yrs with bilateral otitis media?

Answer 9

Immediate antibiotics

1) amoxicillin

Question 10

What is glue ear?

Answer 10

otitis media with effusion (fluid in the middle ear) without signs of inflammation

Question 11

What is a complication of glue ear?

Answer 11

hearing impairment in children

Question 12

What is the treatment for glue ear?

Answer 12

No systemic treatment recommended but monitor for 6-12 weeks as it resolves spontaneously

Question 13

What is the proper name for earwax?

Answer 13

cerumen

Question 14

When do you remove cerumen?

Answer 14

If there is hearing loss or if the wax interferes with the view of the ear drum

Question 15

What can we use to soften ear wax?

Answer 15

Olive oil ear drops
Almond oil ear drops
Sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops

Question 16

What is the counselling for ear drops?

Answer 16

1) ly down with the affected ear uppermost
2) put in the ear drops
3) wait 5-10 mins

Question 17

What is a side effect of sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops?

Answer 17

dryness

Question 18

When do you avoid ear wax irrigation?

Answer 18

<12yrs
otitis media in the last 6 weeks
otitis externa
cleft palate
Hx of eardrum perforation
previous ear surgery
if the person is deaf in one ear