Fungal infections can affect any part of the body. As fungi require moisture to grow, the organs with higher moisture or sweat , and with lower hygiene are most affected by such infections. These infections can lead to moderate to severe effects on the organ and its functionality.
Ears are commonly affected by fungal infections and this can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. The term otomycosis refers to fungal ear infection. Fungi like Aspergillus and Candida are the causative organisms in most cases.
Predisposing factors of fungal infections-
- Patient factors- weak immune system due to conditions like diabetes mellitus, HIV/ AIDS, steroid consumption etc., lack of proper hygiene , overuse of antibiotics
- Environmental factors- high humidity like in the rainy season,
- Others- getting water in ears while swimming, leaving cotton buds in ears, using hearing aids or ear phones without proper cleaning
SYMPTOMS: A typical fungal infection in ear presents with itching, pain and discharge. Some cases can have hearing loss, ringing sensation, burning sensation, fullness or heaviness in the affected ear. Headache can be present, particularly, if the infection spreads beyond the ear.
DIAGNOSIS : Diagnosis of otomycosis is based on the history, examination and some tests. On checking with otoscope, your ENT doctor can see the fungal spores, pus or debris in the affected ear. The sample of the pus may be sent to lab for further analysis including identification of the infective organism.
TREATMENT : Ear cleansing is the most important step in the treatment of fungal infection. Under proper vision, your doctor cleans the infected ear with wipes or suction. Self-cleaning, which can be inadequate and dangerous, should not be practised.
Following the ear cleansing, anti-fungal ear-drops are prescribed for regular administration. Pain killers may be given if required. The treatment can continue for 1-2 weeks, which is followed by another visit to check the status of the ear. If a perforation is seen on the ear drum, a surgery may be required.
COMPLICATIONS: If otomycosis is left untreated, it can lead to many complications like ear drum perforation, hearing loss, inflammation of the skull bones, spread of infection beyond the ears- which can involve the brain, nerves etc. People with weakened immune system are more prone to get such complications.
PREVENTION:
As with many other diseases, prevention is easier and more cost-effective than treatment of otomycosis. Here are the things that you can do to avoid having a fungal ear infection-
- Wearing ear plugs while swimming or diving
- Avoid self cleaning of ears, this can lead to injury and push the ear wax further inside the ear canal
- Do not self medicate – remember , this can cause more harm to your delicate ear drums
- Keep your ear phones, hearing aids and other ear devices clean
- In case of symptoms of ear infection, receive prompt treatment from your ENT doctor
- If you have a condition that leads to weakened immune system, take proper care and follow your doctor’s orders to keep yourself healthy
- Avoid sharing ear phones and such devices
