I get recurrent fungal infection in ear with pain and tinnitus. Why does it happen?

Question

Hi doctor,

I want to ask about the condition of my ear because I have pain in one ear and I had some fungi in addition to the tinnitus. I recently went to a doctor, so he gave me some drops to eliminate these fungi, but after getting rid of those few fungi, I do not hear as well as the other ear. Some blood started flowing, and the pain is more. I think that there are infections and something more dangerous because the blood has not stopped. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you have rightly put it, there is a possibility of recurrent fungal infection what we call as otomycosis. This condition is very notorious for its recurrence even after treatment. Usually, usage of earbuds i.e. q-tip initiate the entire problem as often the cotton tip is not sterilized in a proper manner thereby introducing infection. The entire fungal blob can obstruct your ear canal, and you will have fullness along with itching and associated pain. It is very essential that the fungal blob be suctioned out completely not leaving backtraces of fungal hyphae as they can form another colony in no time. I recommend you to see an ENT to get this entire blob suctioned out. Continue to use the antifungal ear drops (I usually recommended a combination containing Clotrimazole as it is the most effective in treating such conditions). It will take a while before your ear gets back to normal and there is nothing you need to get stressed about as it is a very common entity we encounter in the outpatient department. I hope this helps.