Ears

Question 1

What are the parts of the ear (10)

Answer 1

1. Inner ear - cochlear, semicircular canals
2. Middle ear - stapes, incus, malleus, ear drum
3. Outer ear - ear canal

Question 2

What is the purpose of the ear (3)

Answer 2

1. allows us to hear
2. controls balance.
3. It can easily be damaged by anything being inserted into the ear

Question 3

What is the problem with ear wax (2)

Answer 3

1. excessive amounts are produced; this hardens to form a solid plug that can lead to hearing difficulties and discomfort.
2. It is important that customers do not poke around in their ear and try to remove any wax build-ups with cotton buds as this can push the wax further into the ear and cause damage, leading to perforation of the eardrum.

Question 4

What treatment is there for hardened ear wax (6)

Answer 4

1. Drops are available that help to soften and remove wax.
2. Some customers will have been advised to use drops before they have their ears syringed by their GP/nurse/service provider.
3. Oils - softening agents
4. urea hydrogen peroxide - dissolves the wax or break it down into very small pieces that can exit the ear without being noticed
5. Ear irrigation - pass a jet of clean and fresh water into the ear to remove the build up of wax.
6. ear irrigation is best carried out by a trained professional so ideally patients should be referred to their GP if they would like to try this treatment option

Question 5

What should customers using ear drops do (6)

Answer 5

1. Check the dosage before starting treatment to see how many DROPS, not SQUIRTS should be instilled
2. Warm the drops to body temperature before using by holding the bottle in the hands
3. Tilt the head to one side to stop the drops from leaking out as soon as they have been inserted
4. Use only the correct amount of drops – more is not better
5. If recommended the head should be tilted for two to three minutes
6. Ear drops, like eye drops and ointments, should be discarded 28 days after opening to prevent contamination

Question 6

Who with hardened ear wax should be referred to the pharmacist (6)

Answer 6

1. Are complaining of pain in the ear
2. Are experiencing any discharge from the ear
3. Are having problems hearing
4. Have a foreign body in the ear
5. Are bleeding from the ear
6. Have other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting or a raised temperature

Question 7

What are the symptoms of ear infections (3)

Answer 7

1. pain in the ear
2. high temperature
3. discharge

Question 8

How are ear infections treated (3)

Answer 8

1. It often gets better on its own within three days and can last up to a week.
2. Customers can be advised to use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if appropriate.
3. If they have an outer ear infection and are aged over 12 years, they could try EarCalm®spray (with acetic acid) to help stop bacteria or fungus from spreading. There are drops available for pain and itching to help with inflammation of the ear and promote healing, such as Cl-earTMdrops.