The structure of the external auditory canal
The external ear consists of the auricle and the external auditory canal. The auricle consists of elastic cartilage, except for the earlobe. The tissue under the skin contains sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Fatty tissue is only present in the earlobe. The external ear canal is approximately 2.5 cm and the anterior wall is 6 mm longer than the posterior wall. The outer 1/3 of the external ear canal consists of cartilage. The hydrophobic and relatively acidic (pH 6.0-6:5) cerumen consists of the secretion from the glands of this part of the external auditory canal and the renewal of the epithelium.
The external auditory canal has a self-cleaning feature. The renewed keratinous layer of the eardrum moves away from the center. This movement is from inside to outside through the bony part of the external auditory canal. Renewed epithelial tissue accumulates in the outer 1/3 of the external auditory canal and is expelled.
External ear infection
It is the infection and inflammation of the external auditory canal. It occurs once a year in 4 out of every 1000 adults and children. It is mostly seen in the summer months. Its frequency increases in hot and humid environments. Stuck cerumen (earwax), stenosis, bone protrusions (exostosis), use of hearing aids, use of earplugs, trauma due to tampering (with cotton ear swabs or foreign objects) and swimming are predisposing factors for the formation of external ear canal inflammation. .
Damage to the hydrophobic cerumen layer and the epithelium covering the underlying surface causes this area to become vulnerable to infections. As a result of infection, the inflammatory response increases and continues with swelling, redness, pain, itching, and discharge.
External ear canal fungal infections are opportunistic infections that generally occur as a result of antibiotic use. Candida group fungi can cause superficial external ear canal infections in hearing aid users. Aspergillus species fungi can be severe, involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Signs and symptoms of external ear canal inflammation
Clinically, pain is the most common complaint. The pain can be severe and increases with touching the auricle, especially the cartilage (tragus) in the front part of the ear. Itching occurs in the early stages It can be seen in both fungal and bacterial infections. Ear fullness and hearing loss may occur due to the accumulation of epithelial residues in the external ear canal. Discharge from the external ear canal is more common in bacterial infections. Redness and a small amount of discharge in the external ear canal are early signs. Swelling and inflammatory discharge in the external ear canal are usually signs of bacterial infection. Hyphae may be seen in external ear canal fungal infections. Thickened, reddened external ear canal is usually seen in patients with allergic or contact dermatitis.
There is no need for extra investigation for diagnosis. Diagnosis is made based on complaints and examination findings. External ear canal culture is rarely needed.
Treatment for external ear canal inflammation
Carefully cleaning the inflammation and epithelial residues accumulated in the external ear canal in the treatment both accelerates the treatment and gives It allows the drops to penetrate easily.
If the external ear canal becomes narrow enough to prevent the drops from passing, swelling-reducing drops soaked in a cotton tampon will be applied by your doctor. Acidification of the external auditory canal with some drops helps the treatment.
Treatment is generally in the form of drops applied to the external auditory canal. In some cases, oral antibiotic therapy may be added.
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