Ear cholesteatomas cannot be dug out the hard way and usually require medication or surgery to eradicate the diseased tissue. Cholesteatoma of the ear is usually divided into cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal and cholesteatoma of the middle ear. In the case of cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal, it is usually a cystic mass formed by desquamation of the skin, accumulation of cholesterol crystals, and encapsulation of the epithelium, which also causes some damage to the bone around the ear. As it is very closely connected to the surrounding tissues, hard digging may cause damage to the ear canal and even stimulate inflammation to develop. It can usually be treated conservatively with salicylic acid, antibiotic or steroid ointment as prescribed by the doctor, and surgically opened and drained if necessary. In the case of cholesteatoma of the middle ear, it is even more impossible to dig hard. Most are treated surgically and have a high recurrence rate. The cholesteatoma is usually visible to the naked eye, but some cholesteatomas are hidden in the bone and are prone to recurrence. Patients with cholesteatoma in the ear are advised to seek prompt medical treatment to avoid hearing loss or aggravation of the condition.