Question
For many years I've suffered from yeast infections in my ears. No matter what my doctor does, including antibiotics and other eardrops - it still itches. It also interferes with wearing a hearing aid comfortably. What can I do?
Answer
In the final analysis, I recommend you consult with your personal physician regarding this situation. I will offer some information and perhaps that will help you understand how important it is to seek further medical attention promptly.
Chronic candidiasis (a common yeast infection) is a major problem for lots of people, not just in their ears, but other locations throughout the body, too. Candida is the yeast that lives within our digestive systems. Candida yeast is actually a type of fungus. In healthy people, this is kept in check by maintaining normal pH in the body and by naturally occurring ''friendly bacteria'' within the digestive tract. Certain antibiotics, birth control pills, junk foods, refined sugar, alcohol and other products can disrupt the balance, and then yeast thrives.
Yeast develops in most people due to low pH in the kidneys. Conditions associated with low pH are: hypo/hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus II, ulcers/indigestion, bladder/urinary tract infections, abnormal calcium absorption (causing both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), suppressed immune system and allergy. If one sees a white or yellowish tinge on their tongue, they may be seeing ''thrush'', which can be evidence that yeast has traveled from the intestines, stomach and esophagus, to the mouth.
The solution to your problem may be to reasonably raise the pH in your body through dietary and other changes. In doing so, you will be addressing a host of other potential problems, including premature aging and compromised immunology. Ionized (electrically-charged) calcium can raise pH of the body if you suffer a calcium deficiency or have difficulty absorbing calcium, as can drinking the appropriate amount water and cutting down on refined sugar and caffeine. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet and reduce meat intake, and you'll help reduce the opportunity for yeast to thrive.
Yeast can be insidious and dangerous. Once it takes hold, it requires a yeoman's effort to bring it back under control. Most allopathic treatments fail miserably, and some are dangerous in the long-term. Topically treating yeast is only a short-term solution at best. The problem is almost always systemic, and requires a medical doctor to diagnose and effectively treat. He or she may recommend some alternative medical approaches too. Self-treating without professional guidance is not the answer, either and may be dangerous.
About the author:
Max Stanley Chartrand Ph.D., Health & Human Servics/Research in Communicative Disorders, serves as Director of Research for DigiCare Hearing Research & Rehabilitation, Rye, CO. He is author of many books and articles on hearing health topics, and is an internationally recognized professional educator. Correspondence: www.digicare.org.