Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo

This chapter provided an overview of the structure and functions of the ear, along with an exploration of various medications used to treat ear-related issues. The ear is a complex organ divided into three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear includes the pinna and ear canal, responsible for collecting and transmitting sound waves. The middle ear contains the ossicles (small bones), which amplify sound, and the inner ear houses the cochlea, responsible for converting sound into electrical signals sent to the brain.

Several types of medications related to ear ailments were discussed. Otic anti-inflammatories are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the ear, particularly for conditions like otitis externa. Anti-infectives are essential in treating ear infections by targeting bacteria or fungi causing the issue. Oral antihistamines help alleviate allergy-related ear symptoms, such as itching and congestion. Decongestants are used to reduce swelling and congestion in the Eustachian tube, aiding in the treatment of middle ear problems. Lastly, cerumenolytics are agents designed to soften and loosen earwax (cerumen) buildup, facilitating its safe removal from the ear canal.

Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/pharmacology/pages/1-introduction
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/pharmacology/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© May 15, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.