To prevent otitis externa (ear canal inflammation) diffusa, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Exaggerated “ear hygiene” (soapy water; manipulation with ear or cotton swabs).
- Irritation of the skin by piercing, earrings, ear moulds.
- Allergic reactions / eczema against hair shampoos, hair sprays, cosmetics.
Other risk factors
- “Swimming pool infection”
To prevent otitis externa circumscripta, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors
- Infection with staphylococci by scratching or rubbing the ear canal.
Prevention factors (protective factors)
- Divers care for the ear canal with a drop of olive oil.
If inflammation of the ear canal still occurs, various so-called “diver’s ear drops” are recommended:
Ehm’sche dropsAcidum aceteticum Glac. 5.0 g Aqua dest. 10.0 g Alcohol isopropylicus (95 %) 85.0 Acetic acid ear drops 0.7 % (NRF 16.2.) Acidum aceticum (30 %) DAC 2.4 g Alcohol isopropylicus (95 %) 97.6 g
Ear drops according to Branse-Passek and Muth Acid acet glac. min. 99 % 0.5 g Aqua purify. 2,5 g Alcohol isopropylicus ad 50,0 g.The ear drops according to Branse-Passek and Muth are especially recommended, because the ingredient glacial acetic acid not only has a disinfecting effect, but is neither irritating nor drying. It also supports the normally slightly acidic environment of the ear canal.
