The potential use of stabilised hypochlorous acid (HOCL*) in the management of discharging ears in hearing aid users- a pilot study.

Key points Recurrent or persistent ear discharge may occur when hearing aids are not cleaned, if a perforated tympanic membrane is present or due to traumatic insertion or removal of the hearing aid. 16 of 20 consented adult hearing aid users with discharging ear(s) had swabs taken from the discharging ear(s), their hearing aid worn in the discharging ear before and after their routine cleaning, and then after using HOCl*. 5 had no growth/commensal organisms but Pseudomonas sp., candida, and mixed growth were the most frequently identified pathogens. Patients’ questionnaires completed at the initial appointment and 4 weeks later, provided positive feedback regarding relief of pain and discharge. There were no adverse reactions. All 20 patients in this study reported less, or no discharge when HOCl* compared to routine cleaning methods, presumably through HOCl*’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and this enabled greater use of their hearing aid(s).