OTOMYCOSIS & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

26/03/2021

Otomycosis (Fungal otitis externa) is a fungal infection of the external auditory canal. It mostly affects people who live in warm or tropical areas. It also often affects people who swim frequently, live with diabetes, or have other chronic medical and skin conditions.

Typical symptoms of otomycosis include:

Hearing loss, which can be mistaken for deafness
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Redness of the outer ear
Itching, a more common symptom of fungal infections than bacterial ones
Pain
Inflammation or swelling
Flaky skin
Ringing in the ears
Discharge from the ear, which can be white, yellow, gray, black, or green

These symptoms typically occur in one ear, but it is possible that both ears can be affected at the same time.

Causes of this condition

There are nearly 60 different species of fungi that may be responsible for this infection. Common fungi include Aspergillus and Candida. Sometimes bacteria can combine with the fungi and make the infection more complicated.

This infection is also more common during the summer months. People who swim in contaminated water are more likely to get otomycosis.

In addition, people who have weakened immune systems, trauma or injuries in the ear, eczema, or other chronic skin problems are at a higher risk of getting this type of infection.

Treatment of otomycosis

All debris and visible fungal elements must be removed by the clinician.

Cleaning: Your doctor can thoroughly clean your ears to remove buildup and discharge. They may use rinses or other methods to clean your ears.
Ear drops: You may need to use antifungal ear drops to treat otomycosis.
Oral medications: Some fungal infections such as Aspergillus may be resistant to the usual ear drops. You may also be advised to take over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the pain.
Topical medications : Your doctor may recommend topical antifungal medications for otomycosis if the fungus is affecting the outside of your ear. These typically come as ointments or creams.

Prevention tips

Avoid getting water in your ears while swimming or surfing.
Dry your ears after showering.
Avoid putting cotton swabs inside your ears.
Avoid scratching the skin outside and inside your ears.
Use acetic acid ear drops after getting water in your ears.
Wearing a swim cap or earplugs can also keep water out of your ears.
You may want to use dry heat such as a hair dryer to remove moisture from the ears. Make sure to use the lowest setting and avoid putting the hair dryer too close to your ears.

Some people don’t respond to these treatments, and otomycosis may become chronic. In this case, being under the care of an ear specialist (otolaryngologist) may be helpful.

Otomycosis can cause hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

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