Stethoscope-associated otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. It is caused by stethoscopes. It is not unusual and happens for several reasons.

Not keeping the stethoscope clean. Doctors are often careful to wash their hands between patients but seldom clean their stethoscopes. Bacteria from patients can cause ear infections.
Sharing stethoscopes. Bugs can be passed from ear to ear when you share your stethoscope.
Epithelial trauma. The stethoscope earpiece can cause harm to the delicate skin lining your ear canal, making ear infection more likely.

Early signs of infection include soreness and itching. This can progress to weeping, pain, swelling and redness. Muffled hearing may occur from accumulated debris inside the ear.

So what can you do to protect yourself?

ZenPlugs Custom Molded Stethoscope Earpieces Kit is the only one of it's kind in the world. With it you can create your own comfortable antibacterial earpieces. They will last for years and will protect you against ear infections.

Because they won't fit anyone else you won't pick up their germs. They are brightly coloured and personalise your stethoscope. This makes it far less likely that anyone else will pick up your stethoscope by mistake. They are gentle on the ears and won't damage the skin.

Defend yourself against stethoscope-associated otitis externa for many years with ZenPlugs Molded Stethoscope Earpieces.

Featured