Management and prevention of otitis externa

This module describes the assessment and management of recent onset or acute otitis externa. Patients with persistent symptoms over several months should be referred to their GP practice.

The module covers causes, assessment, differential diagnosis and prevention of recent onset OE in adults and children. It also discusses self-care and actions to prevent future episodes. 

After completing the module pharmacists will be able to prepare, with their pharmacy team, to assess and manage acute otitis externa to improve outcomes.

Key facts

• One in 100 people are estimated to suffer from otitis externa each year in the UK
• The incidence of OE is five times higher in swimmers (hence the reason it is also known as ‘swimmer’s ear’)
• OE is more frequent in hot and humid environments, and
  is 10 times more common in summer than winter
• OE is usually described as acute if it has arisen in the past six weeks. Chronic OE is defined as having continued for around three months
• Symptoms of mild cases of OE include ‘sogginess’, itching and discomfort of the ear canal(s)
• Symptoms of more severe OE are ear pain with signs of tenderness of the tragus and/or pinna, often with discharge from the ear.

Contributing authors: Dr Martin Duerden and Professor Alison Blenkinsopp.