RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify pathogens isolated in acute external otitis cases and determine their distribution according to ages and seasons as well as investigate the susceptibility or resistance to the aminoglycoside and quinolone group antibiotics of which topical forms are available. METHOD: A total of 168 patients diagnosed with acute external otitis were evaluated retrospectively. Growing bacteria were identified according to the species by conventional methods. Antibiotic susceptibility status was determined for the growing bacteria. RESULTS: The most common bacteria detected were pseudomonas group bacteria (38.7 per cent). Resistance to the amikacin group of antibiotics was found to be the lowest and resistance to the ciprofloxacin group of antibiotics was the highest. CONCLUSION: External auditory canal cultures should be taken simultaneously with empirical treatment. Seasonal effect and age group should be taken into consideration in the choice of treatment and after questioning about chronic exposure to water. Empirical treatment should then be started.