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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Be Wrong If Had Numbness, Itching In Left Ear And Asymptomatic Ear Infections All My Life?

Hi. My left ear (if that makes a difference) is nearly completely numb on the outside. It is more numb on the cartridge (no feeling) than the lobe (slightly numb). It feels itchy although I am unable to relieve the itch. I can feel the inner part of my ear (from the conch on into the canal, as I used a q-tip I could feel my inner ear). I've had a slight cold due to the wonderful temperatures here in western Pennsylvania and I do have asymptomatic ear infections my whole life;however, I can nearly always tell wen I have an ear infection due to balance. Any ideas what could be going on?
Mon, 27 Jan 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Numbness on the outer ear can be due to viral infections.
Intense itching can be due to fungal infection of the ear.
You need to consult your ENT specialist for clinical examination and treatment of the infections.
You should avoid inserting sharp objects or any object in the external auditory canal.
This can damage the ear drum and the delicate structures in the middle ear and inner ear.
Once the infections are treated you will not feel the balance disturbances.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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What Could Be Wrong If Had Numbness, Itching In Left Ear And Asymptomatic Ear Infections All My Life?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Numbness on the outer ear can be due to viral infections. Intense itching can be due to fungal infection of the ear. You need to consult your ENT specialist for clinical examination and treatment of the infections. You should avoid inserting sharp objects or any object in the external auditory canal. This can damage the ear drum and the delicate structures in the middle ear and inner ear. Once the infections are treated you will not feel the balance disturbances. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal