For how we live.
Acute otitis externa is usually treated with ear drops, not tablets. In trials antibiotic-steroid drops cured most people, and guidelines say not to start with oral antibiotics for an uncomplicated case.
Hoarseness affects nearly a third of people at some point. Most cases are viral and settle on their own; voice therapy helps persistent ones, and a voice change lasting weeks needs a look at the vocal cords.
The commonest cause of spinning dizziness is loose inner-ear crystals. In trials the Epley manoeuvre cleared vertigo in 56% of people versus 21% with a sham, and guidelines advise against reaching for drugs.
Most acute sinus infections clear without antibiotics — about 46% of people are better within a week regardless. Drugs speed cure in only 5 to 11 per 100, and cause side effects in more.
Cochrane found cognitive behavioural therapy cuts the impact of tinnitus by about 11 points on a 100-point scale. Against active audiological care the difference was 5.65 points, below the noticeable threshold.