To evaluate the effectiveness of two commonly used antibiotic ear drops - Acetic acid and Gentamicin sulphate for the resolution of dry ear in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM).

This randomized controlled trial comprised 80 patients in the age group of 10 to 70 years. The lottery technique (based on inclusion and exclusion criteria) was used to divide the patients into two groups. Patients in Group A [Average (±Standard deviation) age: 32.7 (±17.3) years] received 0.3% Gentamicin topically while those in Group B [Average (±Standard deviation) age: 26.2 (±15.4) years] received 1.5% Acetic acid topically.

Each group had 40 patients. All patients provided informed consent. To prevent the water from entering the ear, the patients were asked to cover their ear canals with earplugs or cotton balls masked by Vaseline. Effectiveness was assessed by observing the resolution of ear discharge, i.e. achieving a dry ear on the 14th day.

In Group A, otorrhoea or ear discharge resolution was attained in 36 (90%) cases and in Group B, it was resolved in 32 (80%) cases. Both groups exhibited statistically similar efficacy.

In patients with CSOM, Acetic acid was equally efficient to Gentamicin in achieving ear discharge control (dry ear).