Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have this problem, my outer part of ear itching been going on for 2 years now. It is a real problem and a very embarrassing one. Sometimes the itching gets so bad and watery discharge comes flooding out leaving my ear. Two times the discharge fluid was tested to recognize type of infection but the results were negative.
I have tried ear washing, ear drops, antibiotics .... nothing works.
The itching may stop for a day then return.
Can you help and advise me?


ANSWER: Hi Laleh,
There are many causes of ear itching ranging from allergies, to eczema to fungal infections to not making enough ear wax. The term for an inflammation of the outer ear is otitis externa.  People who swim a lot or wear ear buds are very prone to otitis externa. So, it is important to keep water out of your ears and to sanitize anything that touches your ears after each use.  Next, have you been to an ENT for this?  If not, that should be your next step.  An ENT can look into your ear under a microscope and see if there is a puncture in your eardrum or if there is a physical abnormality that would account for the discharge.  An ENT can also check for allergies which could cause this as well as fungal infections.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Harriet;

ENT was checked my eardrum, analysis the fluid and As I mentioned earlier I used ear drops  (for infections and Fungal). Also the ENT was cleaned my ear two times. I am really tired because each time (with using of new drops or medicine) only for two or max. 4 days a little bit this problem was reduced but then again it was increased . Always I completed the period of medicine (sometimes on week more) but never it was solved.

I read in another site that one guy has this problem for more than 20 years and I am really worried about it.

My ears are in contact with water only when I have shower because I wash outside of my ear.

Answer
Hi Laleh,
Chances are very good that you may be reinfecting your ear. Is there anything that you put into your ears, such as earphones?  If so, it is very important that you sanitize it each and every time your take it out of your ear.  Also, I would suggest that you be tested for allergies, even food allergies, as these can cause yeast, fungal and bacterial infections in your ear.  And, there is a home remedy that many doctors recommend, as long as you do not have a punctured eardrum.  It is a mixture of half alcohol and half vinegar.  You put a few drops of this in your ear two-three times a day as well as after showering or swimming and it helps keep the ear clean and free.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology