Abstract: A device for cleaning the ear canal of cerumen or contaminants includes a handle, a material expandable upon exposure to a fluid, and a limiter connected to the handle operative to prevent insertion of the expandable material into the ear to a depth which could contact the ear drum. Fluid is passed through the handle and through apertures to the ear canal, and or to the expandable material, whereby the ear canal and expandable material are moistened. The expandable material expands to contact the ear canal walls and cerumen, whereby the cerumen may be extracted by withdrawing the handle and connected expandable material from the ear. The fluid may be an alcohol solution, which loosens cerumen, reduces the potential for infection, and promotes drying of the ear canal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an otological implant for delivery of medicament and a method of using the implant. The implant includes a wick inserted through an aperture in a membrane. One end of the wick is in contact with the treatment site and the other end is readily accessible. The wick is made of a material that will convey medication from one end of the wick to the other end of the wick by capillary action so that the medication is delivered to the treatment site. The implant may also include a tube member for supporting the wick. In use, the tube member is inserted in the membrane aperture and the wick is inserted in the lumen of the tube.

Abstract: Methods and an implant are disclosed for aerating the middle ear. The method requires the drilling of a hole in the bony external canal in a zone where the hole will be in communication with the middle ear either directly or through the mastoid air-cell system. The implant is formed from an inert, resiliently flexible material such as silicone rubber and includes a tubular portion and a flange at the posterior end thereof. The tubular portion is dimensioned to be a snug fit in the drilled hole and the flange is relatively large with its thickness and the wall thickness of the tubular portion being such as to enable the flanged end of the implant to be forced through the drilled hole with the flange then springing back into its normal position. The anterior end of the tubular portion is then pulled outwardly to seat the flange against the posterior surface of the bone structure.