What would a normal ear swab generally reveal?

A normal ear swab typically reveals cornified squamous epithelial cells with little to no inflammation. This finding indicates a healthy ear canal environment, where the skin cells shed naturally and there is no significant immune response or infection present. The presence of these epithelial cells suggests normal turnover and function of the skin in the ear canal without any underlying pathology.

In contrast, high levels of neutrophils signify an inflammatory response, which would indicate infection or irritation. The presence of many microorganisms would suggest a microbial imbalance or an infection, which is not typical in a healthy ear. Excessively thick mucus with bacteria would also indicate a pathological condition, as this is associated with chronic inflammation or infection rather than a normal physiological state. Therefore, the normal findings on an ear swab reflect a state of health and proper functioning of the ear canal.