Ear Discharge: Causes, Treatment and Lifestyle Changes

The most common type of ear drainage is cerumen, which keeps the ear clean and healthy. Blood, transparent fluid, and pus are other forms of drainage and discharge. These may show a ruptured eardrum or an ear infection.

• Ear discharge, also known as otorrhea, is any fluid that comes out of the ear. Most of the time, your ears leak earwax.
• This is an oil that your body produces naturally. The job of earwax is to make sure that dust, bacteria, and other foreign bodies don't get into the ear.
• However, other conditions, such as a ruptured eardrum, can cause blood or other fluids to drain from the ear.
• This type of discharge is a sign that your ear has been injured or infected and requires medical attention.

Types of Ear Discharge

• Clear Discharge: Often due to external ear canal infections or excessive moisture.
• Bloody Discharge: This could indicate a perforated eardrum, trauma, or infection.
• Yellow or Green Discharge: Typically associated with bacterial infections like otitis media.
• Thick and White Discharge: This may indicate fungal infections like otomycosis.
• Pus-like Discharge: Commonly seen with infections such as acute otitis media or chronic otitis externa.

Symptoms of Ear Discharge (Otorrhea)

Otorrhea's primary symptom is fluid loss from your ear. This drainage might be odorless, or it could be foul-smelling. It can be thin or thick in consistency and clear, yellow or green.

Other common otorrhea symptoms include:

• Ear pain
• Itching
• Ringing in ears (tinnitus).

Others go on to develop more severe symptoms, including:

• Fever.
• The skin around your ear becomes red (erythema).
• Hearing loss
• Disorder of cranial nerve function, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or seeing.
• Vertigo.
• These individuals may also have a history of recent head trauma.

Those with diabetes or a weakened immune system are at greater risk for complications. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Condition Causes of Ear Discharge

• Ear Infections (Otitis Media, Otitis Externa): Bacterial or viral infections cause pus or fluid drainage from the ear.
• Swimmer's Ear: Water trapped in the ear canal leads to infection and discharge.
• Eardrum Rupture (Perforated Eardrum): A tear in the eardrum allows fluid, pus, or blood to leak out.
• Cholesteatoma: Abnormal skin growth inside the ear causes chronic discharge and infection.
• Foreign Body in Ear: Objects stuck in the ear can cause irritation, infection, and fluid leakage.
• Head Trauma: Skull fractures can cause blood or cerebrospinal fluid to leak from the ear.
• Skin Conditions (Eczema, Dermatitis): Skin inflammation in the ear canal can produce fluid or crusty discharge.
• Post-surgical Changes: Discharge after ear surgeries, such as tympanostomy tube placement or other ear procedures.
• Earwax: Common in white, yellow, or brown shades; softens and may resemble discharge after contact with water.
• Blood: Minor scratches or a ruptured eardrum can cause blood, pus, or clear fluid discharge. Ruptures may result from injury or infection.

When to Visit an ENT Doctor for Ear Discharge?

Call your healthcare provider if:

• The discharge is white, yellow, clear, or bloody.
• The discharge is the result of an injury.
• The discharge has lasted more than 5 days.
• There is severe pain.
• The discharge is associated with other symptoms, such as fever or headache.
• There is a hearing loss.
• Redness or swelling is coming from the ear canal.
• Facial weakness or asymmetry.

Ear Discharge Diagnosis

• An otoscope is a type of illuminated microscope commonly used by medical professionals to examine the ear and pinpoint the cause of any drainage issues.
• The pneumatic otoscope, on the other hand, is specifically designed to showcase the movement of the eardrum in response to pressure changes, achieved by releasing a small burst of air into the ear canal.
• Tympanometry is a diagnostic test that plays a crucial role in evaluating the health of the middle ear by analyzing how it responds to varying levels of pressure; this procedure typically involves inserting a probe into the ear canal.
• During an ear exam, healthcare providers may conduct a hearing test and use a tuning fork to assess the individual's hearing abilities as part of a comprehensive assessment process.

Treatment and Management of Ear Discharge (Otorrhea)

Ear Discharge (Otorrhea) Treatment

• Doctors prescribe antibiotics for ear infections, which can be administered orally or as ear drops, depending on the location of the infection.
• To relieve earaches, warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers, such asibuprofen, are recommended to help alleviate discomfort.
• A ruptured eardrum typically heals without treatment within a few weeks to 2 months, but keeping the ear dry and protected from loud noises and shocks can aid in the healing process and prevent infection.
• In cases where the eardrum does not heal spontaneously, surgical intervention may be necessary to place a patch of new skin over the hole.
• Treatment for ear fluid may involve antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, a combination of decongestant and antihistamine to minimize congestion, and the insertion of an auditory tube by a doctor if initial treatments are ineffective at draining fluids.

How can I prevent ear discharge?

While it may not be possible to prevent all causes of ear discharge, some tips can help protect your ear from damage, including:

• Avoid inserting foreign objects, such as cotton swabs, pens, or hairpins, into the ear
• Dry your ears thoroughly after washing or swimming
• Allow water to drain from the ears after bathing or swimming by tilting the head to each side
• Take precautions to avoid pressure damage, such as when driving or flying
• Wearing earplugs to muffle loud noises, such as heavy machinery or large speakers at concerts
• Use over-the-counter ear drops to help clean your ears after swimming

Lifestyle Changes for Ear Discharge

• Keep ears dry while bathing or swimming; use earplugs if needed.
• Practice gentle ear hygiene; avoid inserting objects into the ear.
• Manage allergies and sinus issues to prevent ear infections.
• Avoid smoking, as it can affect ear drainage.
• Schedule regular checkups if you have frequent ear problems.

Home Remedies for Ear Discharge

• Apply a warm compress to the affected ear for relief from pain.
• Gently tilt your head to help trapped fluid drain naturally.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Apply doctor-prescribed antibiotics or antifungal eardrops as directed.
• Avoid exposing your ears to irritants like hairspray or shampoo.