In patients with chronic ear disease such as cholesteatoma and chronic discharge, studies showed that they have obstructive pathology at the ear side of the Eustachian tube. Given that proximity of that part of the Eustachian tube to the tympanic cavity, the site of frequent infections during childhood, it is logical to conclude that this segment of the tube experiences fibrosis and stenosis from recurrent infections. This  is a possible explanation for the increased frequency of chronic ear disease in disadvantaged populations who lack access to medical care including antibiotics and tympanostomy tubes. Treatment
First-line treatment options are generally aimed at treating the underlying cause and include attempting to "pop" the ears, usually via the Valsalva maneuver, the use of oral or topical decongestants, oral steroids, oral antihistamines, and topical nasal steroid sprays, such as Flonase.If medical management fails, myringotomy, which is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the eardrum to drain pus from the middle ear or to relieve pressure caused by a large buildup of fluid, is indicated, and usually accompanied by the insertion of a tympanostomy tube.Tentative evidence supports the use of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube. In 2018, researchers published a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial demonstrating efficacy of this technique. Dilatation of the eustachian tube using balloon catheter has gained attention as a method of treating eustachian tube obstruction. There are two methods of performing this procedure depending on the route of the catheter introduction and the area of the Eustachian tube to be dilated.
It is used as an adjuvant, adulterant, and diluent to street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. It is one of the three common ingredients in site enhancement oil used by bodybuilders. Adulterant in cocaine
Lidocaine is often added to cocaine as a diluent. Cocaine and lidocaine both numb the gums when applied. This gives the user the impression of high-quality cocaine, when in actuality the user is receiving a diluted product. Compendial status
Japanese Pharmacopoeia 15
United States Pharmacopeia 31

Veterinary use
It is a component of the veterinary drug Tributame along with embutramide and chloroquine used to carry out euthanasia on horses and dogs. See also
Dimethocaine (has some DRI activity)
Lidocaine/prilocaine
Procaine
Mexiletine

References
External links
"Lidocaine". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Lidocaine Transdermal Patch". MedlinePlus. US patent 2441498, Nils Magnus Loefgren & Bengt Josef Lundqvist, "Alkyl glycinanilides", published 1948-05-11, issued 1948-05-11,  assigned to ASTRA APOTEKARNES KEM FAB