Abstract
Answer A. Prompt same-day referral to ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons
The presentation is suggestive of necrotising otitis externa, which is a complication of otitis externa where infection progresses into osteomyelitis of the temporal bone. The condition is more common in diabetics and immunosuppressed patients. The condition is life-threatening and can be further complicated by sigmoid sinus thrombosis, meningitis and intracranial abscess. Suspicion should prompt same-day referral to ear, nose and throat surgeons for review and consideration of computerised tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and parenteral antibiotics.
InnovAiT article: Blocked ears. DOI: 10.1177/1755738020906189.