An infection in which fungal mycelia are seen in cerumen and desquamated cells in the external auditory canal, usually unilateral, with scaling, itching, and pain as the primary symptoms. The fungus does not invade tissue and plays little role in pathogenicity.
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oto·my·co·sis .ōt-ō-mī-'kō-səs n, pl -co·ses -.sēz disease of the ear produced by the growth of fungi in the external auditory canal
oto·my·cot·ic -'kät-ik adj
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n.
a fungus infection of the ear, causing irritation and inflammation of the canal between the eardrum and the external opening of the ear (external auditory meatus). It is one of the causes of otitis externa.
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oto·my·co·sis (o″to-mi-koґsis) [oto- + -mycosis] fungal infection of the external auditory meatus, usually by a species of Aspergillus, marked by pruritus and exudative inflammation; there may be secondary bacterial infection. It is more common in hot weather and tropical climates. Called also fungal or acute fungal otitis externa.Medical dictionary. 2011.