Ear
Ear discharge and chronic ear disease
Long-term ear discharge should not be ignored because it may affect hearing and sometimes needs detailed ear examination or imaging.
Ear discharge may come from the ear canal, middle ear, tympanic membrane perforation, cholesteatoma, mastoid disease, fungal infection, or problems related to previous surgery. The aim is to identify whether the ear is safe, dry, hearing-preserving, and suitable for medicine or surgery.
01
Common symptoms
Ear discharge that keeps returning
Bad smell from the ear
Reduced hearing or blocked feeling
Ear pain, itching, or fullness
Dizziness or facial weakness in serious cases
02
How ENT evaluation may be done
Microscopic ear examination
Suction cleaning if needed
Hearing test when hearing is affected
Culture if infection is persistent
CT scan of the temporal bone when unsafe ear disease is suspected
03
Treatment options
Ear toilet and targeted drops
Treatment of fungal or bacterial infection
Keeping the ear dry
Tympanoplasty discussion for persistent perforation
Mastoid surgery discussion for cholesteatoma or unsafe ear disease
04
Home care and preparation
Do not put oil into the ear
Avoid cotton buds deep inside the canal
Keep water out until reviewed
Bring previous hearing tests and CT reports
05
Questions to ask during consultation
Is my ear disease safe or unsafe?
Do I need a hearing test?
Is surgery needed to make the ear dry?
How do I prevent recurrence?
Warning signs
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent care for severe pain, swelling behind the ear, dizziness, facial weakness, bleeding, or sudden hearing loss.
This page is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional.