Fungus in the ears is not a figure of speech. Otomycosis affects the outer ear, and it can be recognized by itching, fullness, and characteristic discharge.
What otomycosis is
Otomycosis is an infectious disease of the outer ear caused by fungi. The middle and inner ear usually remain unaffected.
There are many causative agents, but most often Aspergillus or Candida are to blame. Actinomycetes, phycomycetes, and other fungi cause the disease much less often.
These microorganisms live alongside us, and contact with them occurs almost daily. Not everyone becomes ill: more often people with weakened immunity and patients with diabetes mellitus.
Why fungus appears in the ears
There are two main causes: infected water that gets into the ears while bathing, and prolonged use of topical antibacterial drugs in ear drops.
Otitis externa also occurs due to irritation of the ear canal — eczema, water, earplugs. Fungal infection is one variant of such inflammation.
Signs of fungal otitis
The ear canal works like an acoustic tube: any obstacle inside changes the sound. Hence the fullness and hearing deterioration on the affected side.
- Itching, irritation, and flaking of the skin in and around the ear.
- Pain, redness, and swelling of the ear canal, and its narrowing.
- Thick discharge from the ear that is black, white, or yellow.
- A feeling of pressure, a foreign body, and fullness.
- Headache and ringing in the ears.
In young children, it is not words but behavior that helps suspect inflammation: the child pulls at the ear, sleeps poorly, loses balance, and eats less.
How otomycosis differs from bacterial otitis
The outer ear becomes inflamed from fungi, bacteria, or irritation — water, earplugs, eczema. Otitis media is associated with cold and flu viruses and occurs more often in children.
The symptoms overlap: pain, hearing loss, discharge. The nature of the inflammation is established by examination and laboratory testing, not by the appearance of the ear.
Otitis externa occurs in both children and adults.
How fungus in the ears is diagnosed
The doctor examines the ear with an otoscope — a device with a lamp and a magnifying glass. Some otoscopes deliver a small puff of air into the ear: this checks for blockage, which may be a sign of infection.
If otomycosis is suspected, a culture of the ear discharge is ordered. In the laboratory, a fungal colony grows in a Petri dish, and the doctor identifies the type of causative agent.
When to see a doctor
Otomycosis is usually limited to the outer ear. People see a doctor if ear pain does not resolve within 3 days or if infections recur. A child under 12 months with ear pain should be shown to a doctor immediately.
Seeing a doctor the same day is necessary if swelling around the ear appears, a very high temperature with chills develops, hearing drops sharply, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting begin, and also with ear discharge against a background of diabetes or weakened immunity.
People with diabetes or weakened immunity need an urgent medical consultation if they have symptoms of ear inflammation.
Otomycosis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the condition is life-threatening, for example, the person's well-being has sharply deteriorated.
This material is for reference: it explains the nature of the disease and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer