10 Shocking Facts About Mushrooms Growing in Ears

How do mushrooms grow in ears?

Mushrooms growing in ears occur when fungal spores enter the ear canal and find the warm, humid environment conducive to growth. The spores germinate and spread, using earwax and dead skin cells as nutrients. Ear infections, excess earwax, foreign objects in the ear, diabetes or a weakened immune system can promote the ideal conditions for fungal proliferation in the ear.

The most common fungi found growing in ears are species of Aspergillus, especially Aspergillus niger, as well as Candida, Mucor, and Rhizopus.These fungi can cause painful inflammation, fluid drainage, hearing loss, and buzzing noises. Without treatment, the infection may spread and damage surrounding tissue, causing a dangerous abscess or permanent hearing loss.

Irrigating the ears, applying antifungal eardrops, manually removing fungal debris and any foreign objects present can eliminate a minor fungal infection. However, severe or persistent cases often require antifungal medication or even surgical intervention to prevent complications. Practicing good ear hygiene like keeping ears dry and clean, using over-the-counter eardrops to prevent excess wax buildup, promptly treating any underlying infections, and avoiding sticking foreign objects into the ears can help prevent mushrooms from growing in ears.

Symptoms of mushrooms in ears

The symptoms produced by fungi growing in the ear depend on the species involved and the severity of the infection. Early symptoms tend to be mild but worsen over time without treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Ear pain – Aching or throbbing pain in the affected ear occurs as the fungus inflames tissues and spreads. Pain may worsen with movement or pulling on the auricle.
• Fluid drainage – Foul-smelling discharge, resembling pus, leaks from the ear. Yellow or black in color. May contain blood or fungal debris.
• Hearing loss – Damage to ear structures impairs hearing to varying degrees. Hearing loss tends to worsen the longer the infection persists without treatment.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) – Buzzing, popping, or sounds like crickets chirping arise from inflammation and pressure changes in the ear.
• Itching – Intense itching sensation deep within the ear canal. Scratching may lead to bleeding and worse infection.
• Vertigo and imbalance – Damage to the vestibular system in the inner ear can cause dizziness, vertigo, and problems with balance or coordination.

More severe or advanced cases may display additional symptoms:

• Swollen lymph nodes – Swelling occurs in lymph nodes around the affected ear as the body fights the infection.
• Facial swelling – Infection spreads from the ear to surrounding tissues, causing swelling of the face, cheek, and neck on the affected side.
• Otitis externa – Inflammation of the external ear canal and auricle. The ear becomes red, swollen, and painful to the touch.
• Perichondritis – Infection spreads to the cartilage of the auricle, causing painful swelling and distortion of the outer ear. May require surgery to treat.

Failure to seek treatment for fungal ear infections can have devastating and even life-threatening consequences. Dangerous complications include permanent hearing loss, spread of infection to the brain or spinal cord, and malignant otitis externa.

Why do mushrooms grow in ears?

Several factors create an environment conducive to fungal growth in the ears:

• Excessive earwax – Cerumen (earwax) naturally protects the ear canal, but too much wax blocks airflow and traps moisture, enabling fungal spores to thrive. Earwax also provides nutrients for fungi to feed on as they grow.
• Ear infections – Infections caused by bacteria or other fungi weaken local tissues and change the ear environment to favor fungal growth. The infection may also alter the balance of normal microbes in the ear that would otherwise prevent overgrowth of harmful fungi.
• Foreign objects in the ear – Items like cotton swabs, hairpins, and pens trapped in the ear damage tissues, obstruct the ear canal, and elevate moisture levels. This combination of factors promotes fungal spore germination and spread.
• Underlying conditions – Health issues like diabetes, immune deficiencies, or certain medications can increase the risk of fungal infections in the ears and body. High blood sugar, impaired immunity, or use of antibiotics, corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs may alter conditions in the ear to enable fungi to thrive.
• Local trauma – Any trauma or damage to the ear canal or auricle (outer ear) provides a point of entry and breeding ground for fungi. Issues like laceration, puncture wounds, burns or frostbite disable the ear’s natural defenses and normal environment.
• Habits that affect ear health – Habits such as frequent swimming or bathing, use of earphones or hearing aids, and insertion of cotton swabs, hairpins or fingers into the ear can elevate moisture, damage tissues, or scrape off protective earwax to promote fungal growth.

In summary, most cases of fungi growing in the ears result from a combination of factors that alter the normal ear environment and ecology, create tissue damage or excess moisture, provide nutrients for fungi to feed on, and open the door for spores to enter, germinate and spread. Eliminating or reducing underlying causes and risks, practicing good ear health habits, and promptly treating any infections are key to preventing fungal growth in the ears.

Common types of mushrooms found in ears

The species of fungi most commonly found growing in the ear canal and middle ear include:

• Aspergillus – The genus Aspergillus contains several species associated with otomycosis, including A. niger, A. flavus, and A. fumigatus. Aspergillus niger is the most frequently isolated species. These fungi release toxins and enzymes that damage ear tissues and structures.
• Candida – Candida albicans is the species primarily involved in fungal ear infections. Candida normally resides in the ear without causing harm, but overgrowth can lead to inflammation, discharge, and pain. Candida ear infections tend to be more chronic and recurrent.
• Mucor – The zygomycete fungi in the order Mucorales, including species of Mucor, Rhizopus and Cunninghamella can infest the ears of both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. These fungi may release spores that trigger an allergic reaction and inflammation in the ear.
• Penicillium – Species of Penicillium, including P. citrinum and P. implicatum, while less common, can also cause fungal ear infections leading to inflammation, erosion of ear structures, and in rare cases spread locally or systemically.
• Other rarer fungi – Additional fungi less frequently isolated from infected ears include species of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, Malassezia, Scopulariopsis and Yeast-like fungi. These tend to affect immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic ear conditions.

In summary, the type of fungus found depends on factors like exposure and entry points into the ear, the person’s underlying health issues or immune status, moisture and pH in the ear environment, and interactions with normal ear flora. Appropriate antifungal treatment is required to eliminate fungal overgrowth, reduce inflammation and prevent damage. Prompt treatment helps avoid chronic or recurring cases that are often more difficult to cure.

Complications of having mushrooms in ears

Without prompt treatment, fungi growing in the ears can lead to dangerous health issues:

• Permanent hearing loss – Damage to structures in the ear canal or middle ear like the eardrum, ossicles (ear bones)or cochlea can cause irreversible hearing loss. Hearing loss tends to worsen the longer the infection persists.
• Spread of infection – Fungal ear infections may spread from the ear canal to surrounding tissues like the external ear, lymph nodes, and parotid gland (salivary gland). In severe cases, the infection can spread intracranially and involve the brain, meninges (brain membranes) or cranial nerves. Rare, life-threatening cases of fungal meningitis have occurred from spread of otomycosis.
• Otitis externa – Chronic inflammation of the external ear canal and auricle (outer ear) causes itching, pain, redness, and swelling of ear tissues. Can lead to narrowing of the ear canal, impaired hearing and recurrent infections.
• Perichondritis – Infection of the cartilage of the external ear causes inflammation, abscess formation and tissue damage. May require surgery to treat and can lead to cauliflower ear deformity.
• ** Facial nerve paralysis** – Damage or compression of the facial nerve from infection and swelling results in paralysis or palsy of the facial muscles on the affected side. Temporary or permanent.
• Abscess formation – Localized collection of pus caused by infection damages tissues and structures. Requires surgical drainage and can lead to tissue necrosis without treatment.
• Malignant otitis externa – Aggressive and potentially life-threatening complications seen primarily in diabetics or the elderly. Infection spreads rapidly through cartilage and bone, causing osteomyelitis of the skull base. Requires lengthy antibiotic treatment and possible surgery.

In summary, fungal ear infections require prompt and complete treatment to avoid permanent consequences like hearing loss or disability and prevent rarely dangerous but potentially fatal complications. Seeking medical care at the first signs of ear pain, drainage or hearing changes can help avoid chronic or serious issues from otomycosis.

Removal of mushrooms from ears

Effective treatment for otomycosis aims to eliminate fungal overgrowth, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications and recurrence. Options include:

• Antifungal eardrops – Eardrops containing antifungal agents like clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine or tolnaftate are commonly used for superficial or minor fungal ear infections. Applied directly to the ear, they kill fungi and yeasts to resolve symptoms in most cases. Treatment is typically 3-7 days. Oral antifungal medication may also be used for persistent or chronic infections.
• Ear irrigation – Gently irrigating the ear with sterile saline or a solution of water and vinegar or alcohol helps flush out debris, drain infection fluids and open the ear canal. This can aid the effectiveness of antifungal eardrops. Ear irrigation should only be done by a doctor to avoid damage.
• Manual removal of debris – A doctor may need to manually remove fungal debris, wax blockages, foreign objects or other materials from the ear canal before treatment can start or take effect. This is done using special instruments to avoid injury to the ear. Removal of debris opens the ear canal and improves access for eardrops and irrigation.
• Minor surgery – For severe, prolonged or complicated cases, minor surgical procedures like myringotomy (incision of the eardrum) or tympanoplasty may be required to gain access to the middle ear, stop spread of infection and permanently eliminate the fungal source. Surgery aims to avoid damage to hearing and the middle/inner ear.
• Oral antifungal drugs – In rare cases where the fungal infection has spread beyond the ear or does not clear with local treatment and minor procedures, a course of oral antifungal medication may be used. Options include terbinafine, voriconazole, posaconazole or itraconazole, depending on the species of fungus identified. Treatment may last weeks to months to fully eliminate the infection.

In summary, superficial fungal ear infections typically clear with topical eardrops and minor interventions like ear irrigation or debris removal. Severe, persistent or complicated otomycosis cases often require oral medication, minor surgical procedures or longer courses of treatment to avoid complications, permanent consequences and prevent recurrence. Prompt and thorough treatment of any fungal infection is critical.

Preventing mushrooms from growing in ears

Good ear hygiene and health practices help prevent fungal infections in the ears:

• Keep ears dry and clean – Excess moisture in the ears creates an ideal environment for fungi to grow. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, bathing or when outdoors in wet weather. Use a towel to blot excess moisture and consider using a commercial drying agent.
• Use over-the-counter eardrops – Eardrops containing drying agents like white vinegar (to restore normal pH), rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or commercial solutions can help prevent moisture buildup in the ears when used after being in wet conditions. These solutions are available without a prescription but should only be used as directed to avoid irritation or damage.
• Treat underlying infections – Any infections of the ears, sinuses or upper respiratory tract should be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Underlying infections change the environment in the ears in ways that promote fungal growth and predispose to otomycosis. Antibiotic treatment may also need to be adjusted or discontinued if contributing to the problem.
• ** Practice good hygiene** – Avoid sticking any foreign objects into the ears including cotton swabs, hairpins, fingers or earphones which can damage the ear canal and pack in wax or debris. Do not attempt to remove earwax yourself. See a doctor if earwax blockage is suspected. Wash any objects that go into or on the outer ear regularly to avoid introducing fungal spores.
• Reduce risks – Manage any conditions like diabetes or being immunocompromised that increase the risk of fungal infections. Use only medication as prescribed to avoid altering conditions in the ear canal. Make lifestyle changes to quit smoking or manage stress which can also contribute to infection risk and ear health issues.
• See a doctor regularly – Visit your doctor for regular ear examinations and hearing tests according to recommended guidelines based on your age and health conditions. Early signs of otomycosis or any ear infection can often be spotted during a routine exam before symptoms become severe. A doctor can also properly clean and treat the ears if excess wax, debris or minor damage is found.

In summary, practicing good ear health and hygiene habits, reducing risks and getting regular medical checkups help avoid creating an environment in the ears favorable to fungal growth and allow early detection and treatment of otomycosis or any other ear infection. PREVENTION is the best approach to manage problems from fungi growing in the ears.