Fast Relief for Outer Ear Infections

Ear infections can be painful, irritating, and disruptive. Otitis externa (also called “swimmer’s ear” or outer ear infection) is an inflammation of the ear canal that can cause itching, pain, discharge, or temporary hearing loss.

At Balance Pharmacy, we offer a private ear infection service where our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and, if suitable, provide treatment with dexamethasone 0.1% / neomycin 0.5% / acetic acid 2% ear spray (a combination of antibiotic, steroid, and acetic acid) for short-term relief.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Our pharmacists will assess you and confirm if the service is right for you.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Adults and children over 2 years of age

  • Patients with signs of otitis externa, such as: Rapid onset of ear pain, Itching in the ear canal, Tenderness when the ear is touched, Discharge from the ear and Temporary hearing loss

  • Patients where the ear drum is intact (checked with an otoscope in consultation)

  • Valid consent provided

Exclusion Criteria

  • Children under 2 years

  • Allergy to dexamethasone 0.1% / neomycin 0.5% / acetic acid 2% ear spray

  • Perforated ear drum or grommet in place

  • Patients with high fever, severe pain, recurrent infections, or systemic illness (e.g. malaise, facial weakness, spreading infection)

  • Immunocompromised patients or those on immunosuppressive treatment

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding patients (Otomize® not recommended)

  • Known mitochondrial mutations linked to aminoglycoside sensitivity (rare, but important as neomycin can increase deafness risk)

If excluded, you will be referred to your GP or urgent care for further assessment.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Our pharmacists will assess you and confirm if the service is right for you.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Adults and children over 2 years of age

  • Patients with signs of otitis externa, such as: Rapid onset of ear pain, Itching in the ear canal, Tenderness when the ear is touched, Discharge from the ear and Temporary hearing loss

  • Patients where the ear drum is intact (checked with an otoscope in consultation)

  • Valid consent provided

Exclusion Criteria

  • Children under 2 years

  • Allergy to dexamethasone 0.1% / neomycin 0.5% / acetic acid 2% ear spray

  • Perforated ear drum or grommet in place

  • Patients with high fever, severe pain, recurrent infections, or systemic illness (e.g. malaise, facial weakness, spreading infection)

  • Immunocompromised patients or those on immunosuppressive treatment

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding patients (Otomize® not recommended)

  • Known mitochondrial mutations linked to aminoglycoside sensitivity (rare, but important as neomycin can increase deafness risk)

If excluded, you will be referred to your GP or urgent care for further assessment.

If suitable, our pharmacists can supply:

Generic dexamethasone 0.1% / neomycin 0.5% / acetic acid 2% ear spray

(Identical formulation to the discontinued Otomize® ear spray)

Spray one dose into the affected ear(s) three times daily (every 8 hours), Continue for two days after symptoms clear, Do not use for more than 7 days – if symptoms persist, see your GP

Possible side effects: Mild stinging or burning in the first few days is common and usually temporary

If suitable, our pharmacists can supply:

Generic dexamethasone 0.1% / neomycin 0.5% / acetic acid 2% ear spray

(Identical formulation to the discontinued Otomize® ear spray)

Spray one dose into the affected ear(s) three times daily (every 8 hours), Continue for two days after symptoms clear, Do not use for more than 7 days – if symptoms persist, see your GP

Possible side effects: Mild stinging or burning in the first few days is common and usually temporary

Safety Advice & Cautions

Use with caution in children (rare risk of steroid absorption if used long-term).

Use with caution in kidney or liver impairment.

Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor.

Do not use if you develop sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or spreading infection — seek urgent medical attention.

Self-Care and Prevention Tips

Alongside treatment, we’ll give you advice to reduce discomfort and prevent future infections:

  • Keep ears dry – avoid swimming or prolonged water exposure

  • Do not insert cotton buds or objects into the ear canal

  • Gently dry your ears after showering with a towel or hairdryer on a low, cool setting

  • Use ear plugs or a swimming cap if you swim regularly

  • Manage underlying skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) that can affect the ear canal

Self-Care and Prevention Tips

Alongside treatment, we’ll give you advice to reduce discomfort and prevent future infections:

  • Keep ears dry – avoid swimming or prolonged water exposure

  • Do not insert cotton buds or objects into the ear canal

  • Gently dry your ears after showering with a towel or hairdryer on a low, cool setting

  • Use ear plugs or a swimming cap if you swim regularly

  • Manage underlying skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) that can affect the ear canal

FAQs – Ear Infection Service

Most people notice improvement within 2–3 days, but you must continue for 2 days after symptoms clear to prevent recurrence

No. This service only treats outer ear infections (otitis externa). Inner ear infections (otitis media) are managed differently and require GP assessmen

Yes, but only aged 2 years and above. Younger children will need GP care.

If you have a perforated ear drum or a grommet, you cannot use Otomize®. We will refer you to your GP.

Yes – dexamethasone 0.1% / neomycin 0.5% / acetic acid 2% ear sprayis a prescription-only medicine, but our pharmacists can supply it directly following a consultation under our private service.

Book Your Ear Infection Consultation

If you’re struggling with ear pain, itching, or discharge, don’t wait in discomfort. Book an appointment with Balance Pharmacy for professional assessment and treatment.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.