👂 Outer Ear Diseases – Overview
The outer ear includes the pinna (auricle) and the external auditory canal. Diseases affecting this area are usually visible or cause pain, hearing loss, or discharge.
🧾 Common Outer Ear Diseases
1. Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
- Cause: Bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal, often due to moisture
- Symptoms: Ear pain, redness, itching, discharge, swelling, temporary hearing loss
- Treatment: Ear drops (antibiotic or antifungal), ear cleaning, pain relief
2. Cerumen Impaction (Earwax Blockage)
- Cause: Build-up of earwax blocking the canal
- Symptoms: Fullness, hearing loss, earache, tinnitus
- Treatment: Earwax softeners, irrigation, manual removal by a professional
3. Exostoses and Osteomas
- Exostoses: Bony growths in the ear canal (often in surfers)
- Osteomas: Benign bone tumors
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; may cause blockage or infection
- Treatment: Surgical removal if obstructive
4. Foreign Bodies
- Common in children (e.g., beads, insects)
- Symptoms: Pain, discharge, hearing loss
- Treatment: Careful removal by a healthcare provider
5. Trauma
- Examples: Lacerations, hematoma (auricular hematoma), burns, frostbite
- Cauliflower ear: Repeated trauma causing permanent ear deformity
- Treatment: Drain hematomas, protect the ear, surgical repair if needed
6. Perichondritis
- Infection of the cartilage of the outer ear
- Cause: Trauma, piercings, burns, insect bites
- Symptoms: Red, swollen, painful ear (not involving the earlobe)
- Treatment: Antibiotics; drainage if abscess forms
7. Skin Conditions
- Examples: Eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, skin cancer (basal/squamous cell)
- Symptoms: Itching, flaking, lesions or nodules on the ear
- Treatment: Depends on the condition—topical steroids, moisturizers, biopsy if suspicious
đź©ş Diagnosis
- Physical exam (otoscopy and inspection)
- Swab for culture if infection suspected
- Imaging (rarely needed)
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Keep ears dry and clean
- Avoid inserting objects into ears (including cotton swabs)
- Use ear protection during water sports
- Treat skin conditions early