Ears

Question 1

Name the cerumenolytics available OTC?

Answer 1

Arachis, olive, and almond oil e.g., cerumol, earex

Question 2

Which patients should cerumenolytics not be given in?

Answer 2

Those with a peanut allergy

Question 3

What other ear drops are available other than cerumenolytics?

Answer 3

Urea hydrogen peroxide e.g., Otex

Question 4

Ear red flags

Answer 4

• Foul-smelling purulent discharge
• Associated tinnitus
• Signs of spreading infection/cellulitis
• Trauma/ swelling/ foreign body
• Associated nausea/vomiting
• Inner ear pain
• Previous ear surgery
• Persistent vertigo
• Severe deafness

Question 5

Time-frame for a referral for ear pain?

Answer 5

If symptoms present for >48h

Question 6

Symptoms of otitis media

Answer 6

Ear pulling
Fever
Irritability
Poor nights sleep
Impaired hearing
Ear pain