Keratosis obturans

What it is

Accumulation of desquamated keratin in the external auditory meatus, and consequently occlusion and expansion of the bony portion of the EAC by a plug of desquamated keratin. It is due to abnormal epithelial migration of ear canal skin.

How it presents

• Severe otalgia.
• Mild to moderate conductive hearing loss.
• Associated bronchitis or sinusitis are common.

The presentation is written elsewhere as otalgia and conductive hearing loss.

What otoscopy shows

Otoscopy makes the diagnosis:

• White keratin debris.
• A wide ear canal.
• Ulceration or granulation.