Ear Infection won't go away

Ear Infection won't go away

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Thundersports

Original Poster:

673 posts

152 months

Wednesday 22nd November 2023
quotequote all
I've had a ear infection for around 6 months, been prescribed all the drops etc and had it suctioned out twice. My ear drum is perforated (thank you DFVs and Judds) but not suffering any pain just discharge and hearing loss. Last visit to ENT a week ago they prescribed Ear Calm once or twice a day as they think it's a fungal type infection as all the swabs have come back fine. Any ideas as it's becoming a big issue.
Thank you.

jayymannon

235 posts

84 months

Wednesday 22nd November 2023
quotequote all
Could you ask the clinicians to request an 'extended fungal culture' on the next ear swab that they send?
On a routine ear swab, all of the agar plates including the Sabouraud agar plate (for fungi) will only be incubated for 2 days and then a result will be reported.
However, some fungal organisms can take longer than that to grow so requesting an 'extended fungal culture' should initiate the Lab to extend cultures for a bit longer (5-7 days or so).
Might be worth a shout if they're thinking fungal.