STATUS OF THE OPPOSITE EAR AND THE ROLE OF OCCUPATION IN CAUSING OTOMYCOSIS

Abstract

Objective: In the tropical and subtropical areas otomycosis is a very common fungal infection
of the ear worldwide. Aim of our study is to identify the role of occupation in causing
otomycosis and to see the status of opposite ear of the patients.
Materials and Methods: Here the patients who met the inclusion criteria for this crosssectional study are included and examined after taking written informed consent. After
obtaining a thorough medical history, ear swabs from affected ear and opposite ear collected
for culture, sensitivity, and potassium hydroxide were provided. Patients with positive culture
results were studied between September 2019 and March 2021.
Results:
• Among 103 cases observed for 18 months in the Department of ENT, Rajarajeswari
Medical College, and Hospital, Bengaluru, India, we found that males (56.31%) were more
affected than females (43.68%).
• The most common predisposing factor was the usage of earbuds (26.21%) followed by
water in the ear (23.3%) and oil in the ear (16.50%).
• Unilateral infection was most common (96%), and the left ear was most affected (64.07%).
• 36 (34.95%) were farmers, 31 (30.097%) were homemakers,16 (15.53%) were labourers,
12 (11.65%) were students, 8 (7.76%).
• 93 patients (90.29%)) had normal opposite ear followed by 9(8.73%) safe type CSOM
opposite ear and one unsafe ear.
Conclusion:
• The most common predisposing factor of otomycosis is the usage of earbuds in the ear
followed by water entry in the ear.
• Farmers are the first to get otomycosis followed by homemakers
• Status of the opposite ear is normal in most of the cases.