Trainees' knowledge of AIDS and HIV.

felt that visualization of the tympanic membrane was important for diagnosing otitis externa. This survey demonstrates that although there is widespread knowledge that aural toilet, antibiotics and steroid ear drops are appropriate treatment for otitis externa, there are a number of general practitioners who appear to have difficulty in making this diagnosis. The pattern of our clinic referrals leads us to believe that this is because aural toilet is not being performed by general practitioners and thus the diagnosis cannot be made. Is this because the facilities in general practice are inadequate or should ear, nose and throat departments be doing more to teach the technique of aural toilet? Is it a suitable procedure for general practice? In addition, eight respondents would treat patients with otitis externa with antibiotics alone. Antibiotics and steroid ear drops are appropriate treatment for both otitis externa and chronic otitis media.' We would suggest that if the diagnosis is in doubt a short course of ear drops should be prescribed to accompany the antibiotics; this has few, if any, risks and much potential gain.