BACKGROUND Otomycosis (OM) is one of the common conditions encountered in a general otolaryngology clinic. The disease process is a challenging and frustrating entity for both patients and otolaryngologists for it requires long-term treatment and recurrence rate remains. Otomycosis is called as otitis externa mycotica or mycotic external otitis. Otomycosis is the inflammation of the external auditory canal caused by the invasion of the fungus sometimes affecting middle ear. The fungus grows and affixes on the top most layers of the skin and the exotoxin produced by it acts as an irritant. As the fungus grows, the superficial layers of the epithelial cell are cast off and fill the external auditory canal with a mass of epithelial debris, which looks like a wet blotting paper or wet bread. It occurs because the protective lipid/acid balance of the ear is lost. The aim of the study is to assess, treat and follow up of otomycosis patients. In this study, an effort is made to describe the efficacy of Ketoconazole (KC) 2% (ointment) local application when used in otomycosis patients after aural toilet. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 100 outpatients were studied during a period of 2 years from September 2011 to August 2013 in Gandhi Medical College/Hospital. RESULTS Otomycosis comprised 2.4% of all new OPD cases. Of all the ear cases, otomycosis was seen in 5.3% of cases. Infection of Aspergillus niger is more common followed by Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. Otomycosis is rarely associated with other diseases. Response of patients to local application of ketoconazole was good with no side effects. 60% of patients responded within 1 week and 40% more than one week. CONCLUSION Response to ketoconazole local application does not change with age, side of the ear and male or female gender. Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus respond faster than Aspergillus niger.

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