Acute Otitis Externa (AOE)
What is AOE?
AOE is an infection of the outer ear that has lasted a short period of time (3 weeks or less)1.
It is a common condition; affecting up to 10% of the population at some point in their lives2 and, although it can affect people of any age, it is more common in children.
Causes
In most cases, AOE is caused by infection by bacteria and there are a number of risk factors which make infection more likely:
- Water getting into the ear canal and irritating the skin- this could be due to shampoo or soap entering the ear, or frequent swimming (hence the term ‘swimmer’s ear’).
- Damage to the skin of the ear canal- as a result of using cotton buds, hearing aids, or by scratching and poking.
- Pre-existing skin conditions- eczema and psoriasis can increase the likelihood of getting AOE.
Symptoms1
- Pain in the ear
- Swelling or a feeling of fullness (this can lead to temporary hearing loss)
- Inflammation and itching
- Discharge from the ear
- Raised temperature
Treatment
There are a number of different treatment options for AOE. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to advise you on the most suitable after examining your ear/s.
Painkillers will help ease any pain associated with AOE but your GP or pharmacist might also prescribe a spray or drops which are administered directly into the affected ear/s.
These sprays/drops may be antibiotic or anti-fungal with the aim of killing the bacteria or fungus causing the infection. Antibiotic spray/drops may also contain a steroid to help reduce inflammation.
There are a number of things that you can also try yourself to aid recovery or prevent infection in the first place1, 3.
Your ears should be kept clean and dry. Avoid getting soap or shampoo in your ears and avoid using cotton buds to clean your ears. Microsuction or syringing may be recommended by your clinician if your ears need cleaning.
Placing a warm flannel against your ear may help ease any pain associated with AOE and a small amount of cotton wool can be used if there is any discharge.
Skin conditions, such as eczema, should be treated appropriately to help prevent AOE.
References
1. NICE. Clinical Knowledge Summary: Otitis Externa. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/otitis-externa/ [Accessed February 2023]
2. Rosenfeld M et al. Clinical practice guideline: acute otitis externa Otolaryngology Head Neck Surg 2014; vol 150
3. Bupa. Outer Ear Infection. Available at: https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/ears-nose-throat/outer-ear-infection [Accessed February 2023]
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