Cost-effective treatment for uncomplicated acute otitis externa (AOE)

Abstract

Topical treatment with a generic antiseptic or antibiotic drop with or without a corticosteroid is a reasonable initial treatment for uncomplicated AOE. (SOR: C, based on expert opinion and results from heterogenous, low-quality RCTs.) However, neomycin or gentamicin is not recommended in patients with tympanostomy tubes or perforation. (SOR: C, expert opinion.) No evidence indicates that more expensive products are more effective, although they may be better tolerated in some patients. (SOR: C, based on low-quality clinical trials and expert opinion.)