Dulness of hearing may be prevented by clearing away the sordes from
the meatus, and by occasionally introducing into the ear a piece of
linen dipped in a calefacient ointment (dropax), pressing it down, and
then drawing it out; for this completely clears the opening, and at the
same time, stimulates the sense of hearing. Afterwards, the meatus is
to be plugged up with a piece of wool of the size of a tare for a day;
and, when it is taken out, the meatus is to be anointed with the oil
of almonds, of spikenard, or of chamomile, with the fat of geese, or
a small quantity of ox gall. Again, after a time, rubbing mustard and
figs together, introduce the collyrium thus prepared, for two hours; and
then take it out and pour in oil heated in the hollow of the root of the
asphodel.
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