Hi, I Was Having Some Earwax Removed And They Found

Posted on Fri, 28 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : hi, i was having some earwax removed and they found something in my ear. they said they dont think its anything serious but just to check it looked over by a GP. i have attached the photo they took.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Keratin pearls

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have examined the photo thoroughly and I am of the opinion that it’s keratin pearls in the external auditory canal. It could be either due due to accumulated wax causing death of the canal skin (keratosis obturans) or cholesteatoma of the middle ear.

In either of the conditions, the debris has to be thoroughly cleaned and looked for the status of the tympanic membrane.

Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any further queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (51 minutes later)

thank you for the advice. what do you advise i do next? have it removed? or just leave it?

Answered by Dr. Naveen (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It has to be cleared completely...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

This has to be removed completely in order to visualize the status of the canal and the eardrum. I would suggest you to consult an apt ENT Specialist for the further evaluation and management.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng