An ear fungal infection is also known as the otomycosis fungal infection of ear. Such infection is caused due to the growth of fungi in the ear canal that occurs because of the trapped moisture and heat. It could lead to a lot of discomfort and itching in the ear. If you have been intending to gain some more insights on this infection, then you are at the right place. Our guide explains everything related to these issues, their symptoms and what to do if you are intending to get them treated.
What is Otomycosis (Fungal Ear Infection)?
Otomycosis fungal infection of ear is an itchy skin problem in the ear canal. This fungal ear infection is quite different from the infections that are caused by bacteria. In order to heal this type of fungal infection in ear, you will be prescribed some special antifungal drops. These kinds of infections are quite common if you are living in humid areas since fungi is known to grow quite fast amidst humidity. If you are already aware of such differences, you would be able to get the right treatment.
What Causes a Fungal Infection in the Ear?
There are many common fungal ear infection causes that one should always keep in view. Here are the most common factors that cause the onset of fungal infection in ear:
- Moisture and humidity: If you are living in a hot, damp climate, it can lead to growth of fungal ear infection.
- Swimming and sweating: If you swim and get sweat frequently, the water shall get trapped inside the canal quite frequently.
- Overuse of antibiotic drops: If you have overused the antibiotic drops, then it shall kill even the good bacteria that stop fungi.
- Ear devices: Using earbuds or hearing aids that are not cleaned shall also lead to the formation of infections.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Fungal Ear Infection?
Identifying fungal ear infection symptoms early helps you get treatment faster. If you have an ear fungal infection, you may experience:
- Itching and pain: You shall experience intense, deep itching followed by a dull ache.
- Ear discharge: There shall be a discharge of thick fluid that may be white, yellow, or black.
- Hearing blockage: You might experience a feeling of “fullness” or muffled hearing.
- Redness or swelling: You shall notice visible inflammation of the outer ear canal.
- Tinnitus: You might hear ringing or buzzing sounds in the affected ear.
- Flaky skin: There shall be some skin peeling or scaling inside the canal.
What type of causes fungal ear infections (otomycosis)?
When we talk about the type of ear infections, the causes behind them are the two types of fungi, and the most common of these fungal ear infection causes is the Aspergillus. This fungus looks like gray or black dots in your ear canal.
The other type of fungus is the Candida. This looks like a white, creamy discharge. Apart from these two, there are some other types, but most commonly, the doctors find Aspergillus.
However, both of these fungi can be treated with the special antifungal medicines prescribed by a professional to treat your infection.
Test and Diagnosis of Fungal Ear Infection
In order to cure your otomycosis fungal infection of ear or the fungal ear infection, the audiologist or your ENT expert shall examine your ear closely. Once done, they’ll be using a special light called an otoscope to have a look inside your canal. At times, they use a small ear swab to examine the fungus present in your ear under the microscope. This step is quite crucial since a fungal ear infection needs different medicine than a bacterial one.
If you get the issue diagnosed in the early stage, you would get the correct medication and sort out the issue in a hassle-free manner. However, if you tend to ignore this issue, it shall make the infection even more worse and cause more pain.
What Are the Possible Treatments for Fungal Ear Infections?
Whether you are suffering from a mild or severe fungal infection ear, getting proper ear fungal infection treatment for the same stands quite important. Here are some common steps that your audiologist shall recommend:
Ear cleaning: As the first step, the doctor will clean your ear thoroughly and remove debris and fungus build up.
Antifungal ear drops: You’ll be prescribed some antifungal ear drops that are considered as the most effective way to kill the fungal infection in ear.
Oral medicines: If your infection is severe, then it would require more than just some antifungal ear drops. Your doctor shall prescribe you some oral pills as well.
Treatment Duration: Usually, you would have to continue your ear treatment for over a course of one to two weeks till your fungus is gone.
Home Remedies for Ear Fungal Infection
Yes, medical care is quite necessary, but apart from that, you also need to support your ear healing while at home. If we talk about the most important rule to be followed so that you stay away from fungal infection in ear, it is keeping them dry. For this, you can use a hairdryer in a cool setting once you have taken a bath. Refrain from cleaning your ear using earbuds on your own. Always follow your doctor’s medical advice for fungal ear infection treatment strictly.
When to Use Home Remedies vs. Medical Treatment
Home care is only meant for prevention and mild maintenance. However, if you are experiencing pain or some kind of discharge, you should seek medical assistance at the earliest.
Preventing Ear Fungal Infections
If you want to stay away from any kind of fungal ear infection, here are some simple steps for you to keep in mind.
- The first thing that you should always know is: moisture control. Once you are done with swimming or bathing, you should use a towel and dry your ears thoroughly.
- Follow safe ear hygiene practices like avoiding sticking anything inside your ear canal.
- Clean your hearing aids daily so that no fungi could hitch a ride into your ear.
Such small and simple prevention steps shall keep your earns, free from infections.
Conclusion
Staying away from ear fungal infection is quite easy if you tend to follow simple ear hygiene steps at home. Whether you are suffering from a simple blockage in your ear or an Otomycosis fungal infection of ear, seeking professional assistance is quite vital. Regular check-ups can help you catch these issues before they become painful or lead to hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can try holding a warm compress against your ear to get some relief from the pain.
Yes, you can prevent fungal ear infections by keeping your ears dry, always and avoid using cotton swabs.
Ear fungus is not usually dangerous, but if you ignore it, then it shall become quite painful.
If your ear fungus is left untreated, it may worsen, lead to more pain than usual and may even damage your eardrum or hearing.
Yes, a fungal infection behind ear can also happen. It can lead to red rashes on your skin.
Fungal infections are itchier than bacterial infections and they have a different type of discharge.
