BACK
TO
TOP
Browse A-Z

 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Keratosis obturans

Keratosis obturans (KO) is the buildup of keratin in the ear canal. Keratin is a protein released by skin cells that form the hair, nails, and protective barrier on the skin.

Causes

The exact cause of KO is unknown. It may be due to a problem with how skin cells in the ear canal are produced. Or, it may be caused by overstimulation of the wax glands by the nervous system.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Mild to severe pain
  • Reduced hearing ability
  • Inflammation of ear canal

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine your ear canal. You will also be asked about your symptoms.

A CT scan or x-ray of the head may be done to help diagnose the problem.

Treatment

KO is usually treated by removing the buildup of material. Medicine is then applied to the ear canal.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Regular follow-ups and cleaning by your provider are important to avoid infections. In some people, lifetime cleaning may be needed.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you feel pain in the ear or difficulty in hearing.

References

Naples JG, Brant JA, Ruckenstein MJ. Infections of the external ear. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 138.

Ying YLM. Keratosis obturans and canal cholesteatoma. In: Myers EN, Snyderman CH, eds. Operative Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 128. 

 

Review Date: 6/7/2023

Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

 
 
 

 

 

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.