If you absolutely had to choose, Ofloxacin or Ciprodex?

Hi all, I’ve been given the choice between ofloxacin and ciprodex (ciprofloxacin + dexamethasone) ear drops for an ongoing external ear infection.

Being aware of the terrible side effects that fluoroquinolones can cause, I’ve tried to exhaust my options before using antibiotics from that class, but the infection is still present.

Had neomycin prescribed, barely used because of fear of Ototoxicity, took oral antibiotics because it became partially middle ear infection, used prednisone eye drops, took medrol pack (experiencing pretty bad joint pain since tapering off the steroid two days), used acetic acid drops for a few days. I’ve visited an ENT, an ENT NP, and my general practitioner’s office and they’ve also given me ofloxacin and ciprodex. Turns out the acetic acid is carried in almost pure propylene glycol, which I am allergic to, and I’m experiencing increased inflammation most likely from the infection not being resolved and the allergy potentially. Having done my due diligence, I’m left with no choice but either ofloxacin or ciprodex. My plan is to use a very short course and low dose to try and knock out the infection.

My question is if there is a “worse” offender between the two, as in one or the other being associated with higher likelihood or greater incidence or side effects especially in topical form? Does dosage matter or is more about the number of doses, and is there anything you can do to prevent side effects? My pediatrician friend told me that she gives ofloxacin all the time, even to very young patients, so perhaps that’s considered the one with less strength? Interested in hearing about personal experiences, if topical application has hurt you or had no effect on you. I’m extremely extremely worried, but I don’t want to lose hearing from an improperly treated ear infection.

Thank you for any advice!