otics

Question 0

What are some factors or treatments that may reduce the risk of impacted cerumen:

Answer 0

chewing
washcloth 
glycerin
h202
olive oil/sweet oil

Question 1

List factors that increase the risk of impacted cerumen:

Answer 1

• Attempts to remove cerumen may worsen impaction

* Hearing aids and earplugs increase the risk of impaction

Question 2

What conditions other than swimming have been associated with water-clogged ears?

Answer 2

bathing, applying liquids in ear, hot humid weather

Question 3

What causes are associated with otitis externa (“swimmer’s ear”)? Specifically think of the things beyond just the simple swimming.

Answer 3

hairspray), folliculitis, narrow ear canals, diabetes (alkaline cerumen)

Question 4

Which products are not thought to be as appropriate for treating excess cerumen (even though they are used by some patients)?

Answer 4

docusate
hollow ear candles
yerba santa

Question 5

What is the main ingredient in products that are used to treat water-clogged ears?

Answer 5

95% isopropyl alcohol

Question 6

What is the difference in dosing for the products used to relieve water-clogged ears vs those that are used for excess cerumen?

Answer 6

several days for excess cerumen,

Question 7

What is used to follow up the products used for excess cerumen?

Answer 7

warm tap water, bulb syringe

Question 8

What is the easiest/ most appropriate way to warm products that will be used in a patient’s ear?

Answer 8

hold in hand

Question 9

List the types of treatment used for “swimmer’s ear” (otitis externa) and note which are available otc and which are by prescription:

Answer 9

•Antifungal or antibacterial ear drops
•Steroid ear drops
–Cortisporin, Ciprodex
•Oral or IV antibiotics
–Quinolones, aminoglycosides

otc pain meds