Key points
1. Packing of the external ear canal was common, but techniques were
very heterogeneous.
2. Preferred packing material varied among surgeons, due to lack of
recommendation.
3. The most-used packing material was a combination of ear wick and
silastic sheet.
4. Most surgeons were reluctant to not pack the external ear canal.
5. Further research is needed to assess the “no packing” technique.