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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis based on questions he or she asks and an examination of your ear canal with a lighted instrument (otoscope). Your ear canal may appear red, swollen and scaly. Flakes of skin and other debris may be present in the ear canal.
Your doctor will also want to see the condition of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to be sure it isn't damaged. If the view of the eardrum is blocked, he or she will clear the ear canal with a small suction device or an instrument with a tiny loop or scoop on the end (ear curette).
If your eardrum is damaged or torn, your doctor will likely refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT, or otolaryngologist). The specialist will examine the condition of your middle ear and determine if the primary site of infection is there. This examination is important because some treatments intended for an infection in the ear canal aren't appropriate for treating the middle ear.
There probably won't be any need for a lab test at your first visit. If the infection doesn't respond to treatment, your doctor may take a sample of discharge or debris from your ear at a later appointment. This sample would be sent to a lab for identifying the exact cause of your infection.
- Osguthorpe JD, et al. Otitis externa: Review and clinical update. American Family Physician. 2006;74(9):1510-1516.
- Ruckenstein M. Infections of the external ear. In: Cummings C, et al., eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier/Mosely; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/102996601-2/0/1263/1195.html?tocnode=49546210&fromURL=1195.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01985-4..X5001-1--part11_5058. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Grunstein E, et al. Diseases of the external ear. In: Lalwani A, ed. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2829939. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Goguen L. External otitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
