Pain management
Antibiotics (eg, hydrocortisone/neomycin/polymyxin B, otic ofloxacin, otic ciprofloxacin, otic finafloxacin, gentamicin 0.3%/prednisolone 1% ophthalmic, dexamethasone/tobramycin, otic ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone, otic ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone suspension)
High-resolution computed tomography (CT) - Preferred; better depicts bony erosion
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Not used as often as the other modalities; may be considered secondarily or if soft-tissue extension is the predominant concern
Removal of debris from the EAC
Urine dipstick
Analgesic agents (eg, acetaminophen, acetaminophen and codeine)
Topical medications (eg, acetic acid in aluminum acetate, hydrocortisone and acetic acid otic solution, alcohol vinegar otic mix)
Antifungal agents (eg, otic clotrimazole 1% solution, nystatin powder)
Administration of topical medications to control edema and infection
Oral antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin)
Gram stain and culture of any discharge from the auditory canal
Blood glucose level
Gallium scanning
Radionucleotide bone scanning
Surgical debridement of the ear canal - Usually reserved for necrotizing OE or for complications of OE (eg, external canal stenosis); often necessary in more severe cases of OE or in cases where a significant amount of discharge is present in the ear; mainstay of treatment for fungal infections
Incision and drainage of an abscess
Avoidance of contributing factors
