Introduction
The ears are very helpful in maintaining the equilibrium in the body at different altitudes and also aid with hearing. Damage to the ear could be quite serious, as the ear is made of minute bones that are very soft and tender. The ear is more prone to infections, due to the presence of an external opening. Sometimes, due to ear infections, there could be an external growth of tissue that appears like a polyp. The polyp may or may not be cancerous, depending on the type of infection. Hence, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment for polyps occurring in the ear.
What Is Aural Polyp?
The ear comprises the following parts
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External ear.
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Internal ear.
The ears play an important role in maintaining the air pressure within the body and the external atmospheric pressure. Any changes in the pressure could affect the equilibrium of the body. In addition, the ear also helps with hearing. Since the ear has an external opening there are common chances of ear infections that may affect the ears. These infections could be proliferative and may result in a polyp. A polyp is a small clump of cells that are usually harmless. Polyps occur in different body parts. Depending on the location of the polyp, there could be a nasal polyp, which occurs in the nose, and a colon polyp, which occurs in the colon. The polyp occurring in the ear is called the aural polyp. They are outgrowth in the external ear that could be attached to the eardrum or the tympanic membrane. Eardrum is located in the middle ear, which comprises thin tissues, which get stretched as sound waves hit the ear.
What Causes Aural Polyp?
The exact cause of aural polyps is yet to be known. The most probable causes include foreign particles or irritants that arise from the ear canal or ear drum which causes the aural polyp. They appear as fleshy growths on the external surface of the ear. Sometimes, these polyps may also arise from the middle ear. Other causes include external ear infections like dust particles that may contribute to the aural polyp.
In addition, the following medical conditions may also cause aural polyp.
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Inflammation of the ear.
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Foreign-object invasion.
Most people assume that oral polyps occur due to chronic otitis media. However, it is not always true. The causes vary depending on the geographic location and genetic factors. Individuals with ear wax are most prone to ear infections.
What Are the Symptoms of Aural Polyp?
The most common symptoms of aural polyp included
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Bleeding.
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Ear discharge.
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Hearing loss.
Are Aural Polyps Painful?
Most patients with aural polyps complain of pain and discomfort. The severity of the pain depends on the extent of the polyp and the pain tolerance capacity of an individual. The doctor may prescribe painkillers to combat the pain. However, during the growth of a polyp, a slight irritation may also trigger pain and cause extreme discomfort.
Are Aural Polyps Supposed to Be Removed?
Not all aural polyps need a surgical procedure to remove them. Some polyps may disappear on their own, while some need medications to resolve them. However, the polyps have to be removed to avoid unnecessary complications.
Can Aural Polyps Turn Cancerous?
Most aural polyps are non-cancerous lesions. Very rarely, the constant infection may affect the aural polyps and result in cancerous conditions. In patients with blood-stained otorrhea, malignant aural polyp could be a possible diagnosis, but it is unusual. Unless there is metastasis of other carcinomas in the body, most aural polyps are non-cancerous.
Can Aural Polyps Cause Hearing Loss?
Very rarely, in patients with aural polyps that have been left untreated for a longer duration of time, due to the constantly occurring infection, there could be hearing loss. But mostly it is a temporary condition. With treatment, the hearing loss could be reversed, if the damage is not severe.
How to Treat and Prevent Aural Polyps?
Depending on the size of the aural polyp, the doctor may prescribe medications or recommend surgery, to enjoy a hassle-free life. Listed below are some of the treatment modalities that have been proven to be safe and efficient in patients with an aural polyp.
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Drugs - Antibiotics are prescribed to decrease any persisting infection, and to reduce the number of microbes. In addition, steroids are also given to combat the pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen are also given to decrease any associated pain and fever. In addition, the doctor may also give antibiotic ear drops, to clear the infection within the ear and kill the microorganisms effectively. Use the ear drops carefully. Do not keep the tip of the bottle in close contact with the ears as it may result in cross-contamination. Check the bottle for expiry before using it.
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Surgery - In case of large aural polyps, surgery is recommended, to completely excise the polyp, without leaving behind any remnants. The surgery is performed by a surgeon under the influence of local and general anesthesia. Anesthesia helps numb the site of surgery, which helps with patient cooperation and controls pain. Once the anesthesia wears off post-surgery, there are higher chances of exhibiting pain. So the doctor may prescribe painkillers, to diminish pain and to help with good rest. Post-surgery the patient is kept in observation for a few days to check for healing. Regular follow-ups are mandatory, to prevent the recurrence of the condition and for monitoring the outcome and prognosis of the disease.
Some prevention measures like water in the ear, generally visiting the doctor, and maintaining a clean ear can help avoid aural polyps. Patients with ear wax may have to regularly clean them professionally to avoid any infections and to prevent hearing loss.
Conclusion
Aural polyps are tumor-like substances that may occur in the ear. Most polyps are non-cancerous and may present with symptoms like hearing loss, ear bleeding, and pain. The treatment involves a combination of medication and surgery if required. Post-surgery, follow-up is essential to understand the progress of the polyp and prevent any complications.
