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Expansile properties of otowicks: an in vitro study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2017

P J Clamp
P J Clamp*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Bath, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr P J Clamp, Department of ENT, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Coombe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

To determine the expansile and absorptive properties of the expandable ear wick when tested with commonly prescribed ear drop preparations.

Design:

This in vitro study assessed wick expansion and absorption of drops when different ear drop preparations were applied. Nine commonly used ear drop preparations were tested (Gentisone HC, Sofradex, Otomize, Betnesol, Exocin, Canesten, Locorten-Vioform, EarCalm and ichthammol glycerin) with a standard expandable ear wick.

Main outcome measures:

Weight, length and width of otowick following exposure to ear drops.

Results:

There was a marked difference in the absorption and expansion of the otowick when different drops were used. This corresponded to the aqueous or oil base of each preparation. All aqueous ear drop preparations (i.e. Gentisone HC, Sofradex, Otomize, Betnesol, Exocin and EarCalm) produced similar rates of absorption into, and expansion of, the otowick. The oil-based ear drop preparations (i.e. Canesten, Locorten-Vioform and ichthammol glycerin) failed to expand the wick and showed poor rates of absorption into the wick.

Conclusion:

Expandable ear wicks should only be used in conjunction with aqueous ear drops. When using expandable otowicks as an adjunct to treating fungal otitis externa, acetic acid ear drops should be prescribed, as all other anti-fungal drops are oil-based.

Keywords

Otitis ExternaEar CanalTampons, SurgicalAnti-Bacterial AgentsAntifungal Agents
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 7 , July 2008 , pp. 687 - 690
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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