How can we identify fungal ear infection separately from bacterial infection?

Identification: identification can either be done with a smear and microscopic examination or by culture

Cultures: Cultures are the best way to determine if an infection is bacterial or fungal. The appearance of the skin lesions can provide clues as well.

Physician exam: Fungal ear infections are typically easy to distinguish from bacterial infections when the ear is examined. Certain characteristics of fungal infections are usually apparent. However, sometimes cultures are necessary to distinguish the two. See an ENT physician to be evaluated.