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Distribution of ear drops in normal ears

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

P. S. Wilson*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham.
Mark Grocutt
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham.
Ann Dingle
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham.
A. P. Reid
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham.
*
P. S. Wilson, F.R.C.S., ENT Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

Abstract

Ear drops are prescribed widely with little thought for the distribution inside the ear canal. This study compares the distribution of water and oil based drops. The results indicate that, under the test conditions, the penetration of ear drops is extremely variable. Water provided the greatest overall coverage, while the most viscous drops fared worst. It is suggested that in diseased ears even poorer penetration may result, which may explain the lack of response in some circumstances.

Keywords

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1991

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References

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