Antibiotics for otitis externa

Drops may contain an antibiotic, a medicine to reduce inflammation, or both. The choice depends on the appearance of the canal, whether the eardrum may be perforated, allergy history, and any previous treatment. An examination is important because fungal irritation, eczema, and a blocked canal can require different care.

Otitis externa affects the skin lining the outer ear canal. Pain when the outer ear is moved, itch, discharge, canal swelling, and muffled hearing can occur. Antibiotic drops deliver medicine to the affected skin. If swelling prevents drops entering, a clinician may clean the canal or place a small wick to carry the medicine inward.

Reduced hearing during an episode may come from swelling or debris, but persistent or sudden hearing loss needs reassessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Wash your hands, warm the closed bottle in your palm, lie with the sore ear upward, and apply the prescribed number of drops without touching the nozzle to the ear. Remain in that position briefly so the drops coat the canal. Follow the stated duration even if discomfort improves early.

Keep the ear dry while it heals. Do not insert cotton buds, fingers, oils, or unprescribed drops, and avoid swimming until advised. Check before using any ear product if you have ear tubes, prior ear surgery, or a possible perforated eardrum.

Arrange prompt care if pain is severe or worsening, the outer ear or surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, discharge is heavy, fever develops, or treatment is not helping. Seek urgent assessment for swelling behind the ear, facial weakness, severe headache, dizziness, or sudden hearing loss. People with diabetes or weakened immunity should obtain early medical advice because an outer-ear infection may need closer monitoring.

Ask whether the eardrum is intact, whether the canal needs cleaning, how long to keep the ear dry, and what improvement to expect. Mention ear surgery, hearing devices, skin conditions, allergies, diabetes, and any drops already tried.