Study and Comparison of the ph of the External Auditory Canal in Patients with Otitis Externa and Healthy Individuals

Abstract Context: Otitis externa is the infection of epithelial lining of the external auditory canal (EAC). Cerumen has an acidic potential of hydrogen (pH) which accounts for its bactericidal and fungicidal property. The acidity of the EAC decreases due to high humidity, bathing, swimming, and frequent ear cleansing, which can lead to otitis externa. Aims: To study and compare the pH of EAC in patients with otitis externa and healthy individuals. Settings and Design: Tertiary care center and prospective, observational, and comparative study. Methods: This study includes 60 subjects with 30 diagnosed with otitis externa in diseased group and 30 in nondiseased group. pH of the EAC was evaluated by placing pH strips in outer one-third of EAC for 1 min. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent sample t -test was calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0, IBM Corporation, USA for MS Windows. Results: Of the 60 subjects, 24 out of 30 subjects in diseased group had pH more than 5.6 and no subjects had pH more than 5.6 in nondiseased group. The average pH in diseased group was 8.73 ± 1.57 and nondiseased group was 5.13 ± 0.43. Conclusion: A change toward alkalinity of EAC is an important factor for the pathogenesis of otitis externa. Treatment of otitis externa should include acidification of the EAC with treatment with antibiotics and antifungals.