Understanding fungal ear infections: causes, symptoms & treatment

A fungal ear infection, also known as otomycosis, is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by fungal growth. It’s more common than many people realise and can lead to itching, discharge, and a blocked or uncomfortable feeling in the ear. While it can be unpleasant, it’s usually easy to treat once properly diagnosed.

At Leightons, we understand how uncomfortable and irritating ear infections can be. Our audiologists are trained to recognise the signs of ear infections and can check your ear health safely. If a fungal infection is suspected, we can refer you to your GP or an ENT specialist for treatment and help you maintain healthy ears long-term.

What is a fungal ear infection?

A fungal ear infection occurs when fungi grow in the outer ear canal - the passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum. The most common fungi involved are Aspergillus and Candida. These organisms are usually harmless, but when the ear becomes warm, moist, or irritated, they can multiply and cause infection.

Fungal infections are sometimes mistaken for bacterial ear infections, as symptoms can be similar. However, they require different treatments, which is why a professional ear examination is essential for accurate diagnosis.

What causes a fungal ear infection?

Fungal ear infections can affect anyone, but they’re more common in warm or humid environments, or when the ear’s natural defences are disrupted. Common causes and risk factors include:

  • Moisture in the ear from swimming or showering (often called swimmer’s ear)
  • Use of ear drops or antibiotics that upset the ear’s natural balance
  • Removing too much earwax, which normally protects against infection
  • Wearing earplugs, which can trap moisture
  • Humidity or heat, creating an ideal environment for fungi to grow
  • Skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis affecting the ear canal

Healthy ears usually maintain a balance that prevents fungal growth, but if that balance is disturbed, infection can develop.

Symptoms of a fungal ear infection

Fungal ear infections can cause a range of symptoms that may develop gradually. Common signs include:

  • Itching or irritation in or around the ear canal
  • Dry, flaky, or scaly skin at the ear entrance
  • Ear discharge, which may be white, yellow, grey, or even black
  • A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
  • Reduced or muffled hearing
  • Mild pain or tenderness around the ear
  • Occasionally, a musty or unpleasant smell

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to have your ear examined by a professional. Attempting to clean your ear at home could make the infection worse or push debris deeper into the ear canal.

How is a fungal ear infection treated?

Treatment for fungal ear infections focuses on removing fungal debris and restoring the ear’s natural balance. This usually involves:

  • Antifungal ear drops or creams, prescribed by a GP or ENT specialist, to target the infection.
  • In some cases, oral antifungal medication if the infection is persistent or severe.
  • Professional ear cleaning by a clinician to clear wax, discharge, and fungal material.

It’s important to avoid using cotton buds, ear candles, or home remedies, as these can irritate the ear canal and spread the infection further.

Most people notice improvement within a few days of treatment, although full recovery may take up to two weeks depending on severity.

Can I prevent a fungal ear infection?

While fungal infections can sometimes occur unexpectedly, there are several ways to reduce your risk:

  • Keep your ears dry - tilt your head after swimming or showering to drain water and gently pat the outer ear dry.
  • Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds or hairpins into your ears.
  • Let your ears breathe - remove earplugs for short periods to allow air circulation.
  • Avoid over-cleaning your ears, as a small amount of wax is healthy and protective.
  • Seek professional advice if you experience itching, discharge, or persistent discomfort.

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, we can perform safe and gentle ear health checks to help identify early signs of fungal or bacterial infection. If a fungal ear infection is suspected, we’ll refer you to your GP or ENT specialist for treatment.

After recovery, we can help you maintain healthy ears through regular free hearing assessments or professional wax removal, reducing the risk of infection returning.

We’re here to help you protect your ear health and hear clearly and comfortably every day.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards comfortable, healthy ears.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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