Fungal otitis externa and tympanic membrane perforation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Otomycosis is a common fungal infection of the external auditory canal, prevalent in warm, humid climates.
• Increased antibiotic eardrop use and factors like swimming and immunocompromised states contribute to rising otomycosis cases.
• Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, AIDS, pregnancy, post-mastoidectomy, tympanic membrane perforation, hearing aid use, and self-inflicted injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of clotrimazole solution in managing otomycosis with central tympanic membrane perforation.
• To compare outcomes between a patched group and a non-patched group receiving clotrimazole treatment.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 40 patients with otomycosis and tympanic membrane perforation was conducted between August and September 2021.
• Diagnosis was based on physical findings like whitish ear discharge and presence of hyphae in the external auditory canal, ear drum, and middle ear mucosa.
• Patients were divided into patched and non-patched groups, with follow-up at 3 weeks.

Main Results:

• A total of 40 patients were included, with 20 in the patched group and 20 in the non-patched group.
• No significant statistical variations were observed between the groups regarding age, perforation size, mycological analysis, or pure tone audiometry.
• Data was analyzed for patients who completed the 3-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Clotrimazole solution is a safe and effective treatment for otomycosis in patients with tympanic membrane perforation.
• Otolaryngologists routinely diagnose otomycosis through medical examination.
• Increased humidity can lead to fungal overgrowth in the external auditory canal, causing acute otomycosis.