An ear wick is a small, specialized, absorbent medical device used to treat infections of the external ear canal, such as severe otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This device is typically compressed and inserted into a swollen or obstructed ear canal to absorb moisture and discharge. The main purpose of the wick is to act as a scaffold, facilitating the deep penetration and sustained contact of topical medications, like antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops, to the affected tissue.
Retailers and Purchase Options
Acquiring ear wicks often involves navigating a distribution system geared toward healthcare professionals, rather than general over-the-counter sales. The most common and reliable source is often the medical provider who diagnosed the condition and prescribed the treatment. Many ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, as well as urgent care clinics, either insert the first wick during the initial appointment or provide the patient with wicks to take home.
Wicks are rarely found in major national pharmacy chains or big-box stores. Purchase options are generally limited to specialized medical supply distributors and online retailers that cater to professional medical practices. These suppliers often sell the wicks in bulk quantities, which may be impractical for a single course of treatment.
While the ear wick itself is often a non-prescription medical device, the medicated ear drops applied to it—typically an antibiotic or corticosteroid solution—almost always require a valid prescription. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures the correct type of wick is selected and the appropriate prescription medication is available for the treatment plan.
Understanding Different Ear Wick Types
Ear wicks are categorized mainly by the material they are made from and their resulting function. The most frequently used material is compressed cellulose or a synthetic polymer like polyvinyl acetate (PVA), often sold under brand names like Otowick or Merocel. These materials are highly absorbent and are designed to be non-traumatic, meaning they expand gently and are virtually lint-free, preventing fibers from being left behind in the sensitive ear canal.
Compressed cellulose and PVA wicks are inserted in a dry, thin state and expand rapidly when saturated with an aqueous medication. This expansion creates gentle pressure that helps keep the swollen ear canal open. This ensures the prescribed topical solution reaches the deep infection site near the eardrum.
Less common types include soft cotton gauze plugs, which are used less often due to the potential for cotton fibers to fragment and remain in the canal. Wicks also come in various shapes, primarily small cylinders. These may be pre-cut to a specific length, such as 1.5 centimeters, or feature a fenestration (a small hole) to aid drainage or drug dispersion.
Safe Insertion and Removal Procedures
Safe use begins with careful preparation, including thorough hand washing before handling the device and medication. The initial insertion is generally performed by a medical professional using specialized instruments, such as a microscope and micro forceps, to ensure correct placement deep within the edematous canal. Attempting deep self-insertion is unsafe and is not recommended.
If a patient is instructed to re-insert a wick or apply medication, the process must be gentle, avoiding excessive force that could damage the ear canal. The wick is typically inserted just far enough so that a small portion remains visible at the outer opening of the ear. Once in place, the prescribed ear drops are applied directly onto the exposed portion to ensure the medication fully penetrates the compressed material.
After applying the drops, the patient should remain lying down with the affected ear facing upward for three to five minutes to allow the solution to fully saturate the wick. The wick is usually kept in place for 24 to 48 hours, or until the swelling subsides, at which point it may fall out spontaneously. When removal is necessary, the wick should be gently moistened with a few drops of the solution to prevent sticking before being carefully pulled out, often with simple tweezers or forceps.