Comparing the Efficacy of Acetic Acid vs Gentian Violet in Chronic Discharging Ears

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a prolonged and chronic condition. It is a prevalent bacterial infection in the field of otolaryngology that has substantial consequences. Prior to surgical intervention, it is crucial to implement medical treatment to make the ears dry in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media. The goal is to determine the most suitable agent for aural toileting in individuals with chronic suppurative otitis media by evaluating the outcomes of irrigation of acetic acid and gentian violet and determining the most suitable treatment. A randomized controlled study was done on 100 patients in a tertiary care center with a tubotympanic type of CSOM in the active phase. Patients were divided into 2 groups and toileting and irrigation were done with acetic acid in one group and with gentian violet in the other for 3 weeks. The comparison of treatment outcomes between the groups revealed a statistically significant difference, with acetic acid demonstrating superior treatment results compared to gentian violet. This was further confirmed by a statistically significant difference between the two groups in otologic scores at different time points, as a result of a considerably greater fall in scores in the acetic acid group. Regular antiseptic auditory cleaning and irrigation can help manage chronic suppurative otitis media. The process of healing is facilitated by modifying the pH of the ear canal, reducing inflammation, destroying biofilms, and removing exudates. Acetic acid appears to be more effective than gentian violet in treating the condition. Therefore, acetic acid alone or in conjunction with antibiotic ear drops, can be used for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media.