Aural polyps

Definition:

An aural polyp is a growth in the outside (external) ear canal. It may be attached to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), or it may grow from the middle ear space.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Aural polyps may be caused by:

Cholesteatoma
Foreign object
Inflammation
Tumor

Symptoms:

Bloody drainage from the ear is the most common symptom. Hearing loss can also occur.

Signs and tests:

An aural polyp is diagnosed through an examination of the ear canal and middle ear using an otoscope or microscope.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may first recommend:

Avoiding water in the ear
Steroid medications
Antibiotic ear drops

If a cholesteatoma is the underlying problem or the condition fails to clear, then surgery may be needed.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have bleeding from an ear.

References:

O’Handley JG, Tobin EJ, Shah AR. Otorhinolaryngology. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 19.

Chole RA, Sudhoff HH. Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and petrositis. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 139.