ABSTRACT
For otological operations, water is thought to be the most important precipitating factor for inducing infections. This would lead to post surgical healing problems. Water carrying microbes that are pathogenic source of infection for ears .Various methods are used to achieve water free ear after surgery. To determine the current practice of otolaryngological consultants in Pakistan on advice given to patients regarding water precautions after ear surgery. Clinical survey. Questionnaire based survey filled by 300 Otolaryngologists -Head and Neck surgeons from all over Pakistan. A total of 300 questionnaires were completely filled. Reply rate was 100 percent .In all, 50 percent of consultants allow swimming and bathing with ear plugs after tympanostomy tube placement where as 76.67 percent completely restrict patients for diving after grommet placement. In comparison after myringoplasty 66.67 percent avoid swimming and 60 percent avoid diving and 83.33percent allow bathing with earplugs. However after mastoidectomy 61.67percent advice swimming with ear plugs and 84.34 percent allow bathing with ear plugs but 58 percent completely avoid diving. Regarding choice of ear plugs, 42.33 percent preferred cotton and petroleum jelly as ear plugs. This study reveals current national practice among Pakistani otolaryngological consultant. Further national guidelines are required