A Patient Reports Ear Pain and Difficulty Hearing

A patient reports ear pain and difficulty hearing. An otoscopic examination reveals a small tear in the tympanic membrane of the affected ear with purulent discharge. What is the initial treatment for this patient?

A) Insert a wick into the ear canal.
B) Irrigate the ear canal to remove the discharge.
C) Prescribe antibiotic ear drops.
D) Refer the patient to an otolaryngologist.