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To determine if you have malignant otitis externa, your doctor will complete a physical exam. The exam will include a complete health history to identify underlying conditions that may have compromised your immune system.
During the exam, your doctor will look into your ear to see if there is an infection. Your doctor will also examine your head and behind your ear. If there is drainage from the ear, your doctor may take a sample (culture) of the drainage. This sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. This will help identify the bacteria causing the infection.
If you have malignant otitis externa, your doctor may order additional tests to see if the infection has spread. Such tests would include:
- a neurological exam
- a CT or MRI (imaging) scan of the head
- a radionuclide scan
How Is Malignant Otitis Externa Treated?
Treatment for malignant otitis externa typically involves antibiotic therapy. The condition can be difficult to treat. As such, you may need to remain on antibiotics for several months. If your condition is severe, antibiotics may need to be delivered intravenously (through a vein in your arm). Treatment must be continued until tests show that the infection is cured.
If significant tissue damage has occurred as a result of the infection, surgery may also be required. Surgery is sometimes used to remove damaged tissue. Your doctor will tell you if you need surgery. Surgery is performed after the infection has been cured.
What Is the Outlook for Malignant Otitis Externa?
Treatment is usually effective, making the outlook of your recovery quite good. However, if you have a compromised immune system, the infection may return.
Recurrent infections can cause damage to the cranial nerves and brain. Spread of the infection to the brain is rare, but it may result in permanent injury and even death.
How Can Malignant Otitis Externa Be Prevented?
The best thing you can do to prevent malignant otitis externa is to treat all swimmer’s ear infections until they are gone. This means following your doctor’s advice and finishing the complete dose of your antibiotics.
In addition, if you have a compromised immune system, you should take steps to protect your health. For patients with diabetes, this means controlling blood sugar levels. For patients with HIV, this means adhering to medications to prevent the spread of the virus in the body. Protecting your health is important in boosting your immune system and preventing the onset of an infection.