Evaluation and management of ear itching: our experience

Authors

  • Srujan Vallur Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, 12 Air Force Hospital, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Anil Raghavan Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, MH Meerut Cantt, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • V. U. Jagdeeswaran Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, 7 Air Force Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Pawan Kumar Gampa Department of Ophthalmology, Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20213895

Keywords:

Aetiology, Ear itching, Management, Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Itching of ear is a common presenting symptom in clinical practice. Ear itching has many underlying causes which needs detailed evaluation. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of ear itch and the aetiological factors and various management options associated with ear itch.

Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was done in two centres over a period of one year in patients with ear itch in ENT outpatient were included. Sampling method used was systematic sampling. The details regarding the age, gender and co-morbidities of the patients were recorded. The ear was clinically examined.   

Results: A total of 2143 patients presented to outpatient, 210 (9.8%) presented with ear itching. The mean age (SD) of the study patients were 46.8 years (15.6). The gender distribution showed a male:female of 1:1. Comorbidities included hypertension (27.14%), diabetes (8.57%) and combination of both in 8.1%. Mean±SD of duration of study subjects was 4.3±1.6 months. The common aetiologies were otomycosis (30%), wax deposition (25.24%) and otitis externa (14.29%). Diabetes was predominantly associated with otomycosis (68.57%, p<0.0001). In our study, prevalence of ear itching was 9.8% with common aetiologies were otomycosis, wax deposition and otitis externa. There was significant association of diabetes mellitus with otomycosis.

Conclusions: Ear itching is a symptom that needs detailed history, careful clinical evaluation and management. Patient’s quality of life will largely improve if ear itching is dealt with all possible aetiologies and appropriate management.

Author Biographies

Srujan Vallur, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, 12 Air Force Hospital, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Assistant Professor, Dept. of ORL-HNS

Anil Raghavan, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, MH Meerut Cantt, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India

Assistant Professor, Dept. of ORL-HNS

V. U. Jagdeeswaran, Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, 7 Air Force Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Assistant Professor, Dept. of ORL-HNS

Pawan Kumar Gampa, Department of Ophthalmology, Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Associate Professor, Dept. of Ophthalmology

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Published

2021-09-27

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Original Research Articles