“In the tympanic cavity itself the process of slow proliferation, with interstitial thickening and consequent slowly progressing deafness, with or without subjective noises, and without pain, seems to constitute the indication for this remedy. It is also especially useful at the termination of more active and painful attacks, to clean up the remains of inflammation and prevent, as far as possible, its evil effect in inducing thickenings in the tympanic mucous membrane and permanent changes in the delicate structures contained within the tympanic cavity. In suppurative disease of the ear this remedy is less frequently required than for the catarrhal process, but in cases where granulation is excessive it is sometimes employed to check the exuberance of their growth and favor resolution, while its usefulness at the termination of suppurative attacks in the middle ear has been found very great in modifying those tendencies to adhesions which constitute one of their chief dangers.
“Finally, in the external ear the use of this remedy has been hitherto comparatively infrequent, its indications being chiefly a dry and scaly proliferation of the epidermis of the external meatus, with tendency to atrophy of the walls. A swollen condition of the glands about the ear, the angle of the jaw, and the neck would further indicate its selection.
“My own experience with Kali mur, has been largely confined to chronic catarrhal conditions of the middle ear, and after keeping a careful record of its action in nearly two hundred of these cases, in private practice, I am convinced that it is one of the most useful agents we possess in their treatment. It will even aid us efficiently in holding in check many of those inveterate cases of years’ standing which go persistently from bad to worse upon the slightest provocation, and which no man living can hope to cure. Its most satisfactory results are obtained in those cases which may have been gradually progressing for months, or even for two or three years, but which have not yet given rise to those permanent tissue changes which are sure to follow in the later course of the disease.” (Prof. H. P. Bellows, M.D.) Otitis external, with thickening and narrowing of the meatus and thin, flaky discharge from ear.
“Kali mur. favors the opening of the Eustachian tube. After its use inflation becomes easy.” (R.S.C).
Natrum mur [Nat-m]
Deafness from swelling of the tympanic cavity, with watery conditions. Roaring in the ears, tongue covered with bubbles saliva profuse, etc. Catarrh of tympanic cavity and Eustachian tube, purulent discharge from ears. Itching and burning in the ear. Stitches in the ear.
Kali phos [Kali-p]
Dulness of hearing with noises in the head. Deafness from want of nerve perception, noises in the head with weakness and confusion. Itching in the auditory canal; hearing supersensitive, cannot bear any noise. Weakness, general exhaustion of the nerves or nervous system. “Ulceration of the membrana tympani, suppuration of the middle ear, pus being watery, dirty, brownish and very foetid. Ulceration angry, bleeding easily, showing little tendency to granulate or secrete laudable pus. It is especially valuable in old people. Atrophic conditions in old people, tissues dry up, become scaly, showing lack of vitality.” (Houghton.) If the humming and buzzing in ears are not removed by Kali phos., though indicated, follow with Magnes. phos.
Calcarea sulph [Calc-p]
Discharge of matter from the ear, sometimes mixed with blood. Deafness with middle ear suppurations, swelling of gland, etc. Sensitive swelling behind ear, with tendency to suppuration.
Calcarea phos [Calc-p]
Cold feeling of outer ears. The bones around the ear ache and hurt. Earache with rheumatic complaints, associated with swollen glands in scrofulous children. Chronic otorrhoeas in children associated with painful dentition. (H.C.F.) Perforation of tympanum with deafness and otorrhoea. (Cooper).
Magnesia phos [Mag-p]
Deafness or dulness of hearing from diseases of the auditory nerve-fibres. It supplements Kali mur. Proliferous disease of the middle ear. (Dr. Rounds.) Otalgia, purely nervous in character.
Kali sulph [Kali-s]
Earache with secretion of thick, yellow, or greenish fluid after inflammation. Sharp, cutting pain under the ears. Stitches, tensive and piercing pain below the mastoid process. Discharge of watery matter or yellow pus. Throat deafness with catarrh, causing swelling of Eustachian lining and middle ear, with yellow, watery discharge and yellow coating on the tongue. Deafness worse in a heated room. Stinking otorrhoea. Polypoid excrescence closes meatus. In suppurative inflammation of the middle ear when the discharge is thick. (H.C.F).
Professor of Materia Medica in the University of Michigan Homeopathic Medical College. Member of American Institute of Homeopathy. In addition to his editoral work he authored or collaborated on: Boericke and Dewey's Twelve Tissue Remedies, Essentials of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Essentials of Homeopathic Therapeutics and Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics.