31/10/2025
🚨 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐛𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬?
Keratosis Obturans is a less common ear condition that is often mistaken for stubborn earwax (wax impaction) — but it’s actually something more serious.
Many people (and even some doctors) may not think of it right away, which is why it can go undiagnosed for a long time.
🔎 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐈𝐭?
You might have Keratosis Obturans if you experience:
Severe ear pain with a blocked ear canal
A sudden drop in hearing on one side
“Wax” that keeps coming back even after cleaning
The ear canal looks shiny, red, and inflamed when examined
If these happen, it’s worth checking again — it might not just be earwax.
🏥 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝
✅ 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭
The doctor uses a microscope, gentle suction, and fine tools to remove the hard keratin plug.
It must be done carefully to avoid hurting the inflamed ear canal.
Sometimes, a few visits are needed to completely clear it.
✅ 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Ear drops with steroid + antibiotic help reduce swelling and infection.
Regular follow-ups ensure the ear heals properly.
✅ 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞
Regular ear check and cleaning every 3–6 months.
Use moisturizing drops or mineral oil to keep the ear canal healthy and prevent it from coming back.
✅ 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 (𝐢𝐟 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝)
If symptoms don’t improve, a CT scan may be done to rule out more serious conditions, like bone erosion or other ear canal problems.
💡 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲
Keratosis Obturans may look like simple earwax, but it can cause pain, hearing loss, and recurring blockages if not properly treated. If earwax seems to come back too often or causes pain, get it checked by an specialist for a further diagnosis.
