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What Causes Chronic Blocked Ears?

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Posted on Mon, 5 Jan 2015
Question: My 43yr old daughter has suffered for the last 18 weeks with her ears blocked - she has had them drained several times at the XXXXX Hospital, XXXXX several times. The blockage appears like cottage cheese - she is in so much pain most of the time. She is due to attend the hospital again tomorrow, no definite cause has been diagnosed - excema, allergy to nickel etc. after about just one week the eras are blocked again. Can you suggest cause please.

Diagnosis would be appreciated as soon as possible.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Her symptoms suggest Otomycosis, a fungal infection of the ear.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,


I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.


As per your clinical details, repeated infections with ear blockage could be due to otomycosis.


As such otomycosis (fungal infection) seen with ear drum perforation or immuno compromised status like diabetes or post radiotherapy.


Fungal colonies (wet blotting paper) appearance, causes ear block with itching. Water per ear or repeated scratching with ear buds are the main sources of infection.


I suggest you to consult an ENT surgeon, get detailed ENT examination with otoscopy (to see the status of ear drum), audiometry (hearing status), if necessary culture of the secretions. She requires anti fungal ear drops and antibiotics (mixed infections). Treatment can be started as per the investigations.


I also advise her to keep dry cotton in ear during bath, avoid self cleaning with ear buds, to prevent repeated infections.


Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.


Wishing you good health.






Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (42 hours later)
She has seen another ENT doctor at hospital and the doctor seems to think it is excema in the ear canal - drained the ears and inserted cream directly into the canal - she is diabetic - and this probably the main cause of the problem.

Thankyou
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you are always welcome.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,


Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.


You are always welcome.


The comibination of eczema with diabetes requires prolonged monitored treatment in the form of steroid creams, antibiotics and antiallergics to avoid complications.


All the best, Take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2038 Questions

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What Causes Chronic Blocked Ears?

Brief Answer: Her symptoms suggest Otomycosis, a fungal infection of the ear. Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. As per your clinical details, repeated infections with ear blockage could be due to otomycosis. As such otomycosis (fungal infection) seen with ear drum perforation or immuno compromised status like diabetes or post radiotherapy. Fungal colonies (wet blotting paper) appearance, causes ear block with itching. Water per ear or repeated scratching with ear buds are the main sources of infection. I suggest you to consult an ENT surgeon, get detailed ENT examination with otoscopy (to see the status of ear drum), audiometry (hearing status), if necessary culture of the secretions. She requires anti fungal ear drops and antibiotics (mixed infections). Treatment can be started as per the investigations. I also advise her to keep dry cotton in ear during bath, avoid self cleaning with ear buds, to prevent repeated infections. Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.