Ear discharge: causes and which doctor to see

For ear discharge you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) or Pediatrics. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: yellow, green, white or bloody discharge from the ear; a bad smell; ear pain (may ease when discharge starts); reduced hearing; fever. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: middle ear infection with a burst eardrum; outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear); ear fungus; chronic middle ear infection and cholesteatoma; infection in children with grommets; leak of cerebrospinal fluid after a head injury (an emergency). Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Discharge from a middle ear infection usually stops within 1 week with treatment; a burst eardrum usually heals on its own within a few weeks. Chronic discharge and eardrums that do not heal may need surgery.

It is more common in: young children; swimmers; children with grommets; people with diabetes and weakened immunity.

The ENT specialist examines the ear with an otoscope or microscope, cleans out the discharge and takes a culture if needed. A hearing test is done; for chronic cases a CT may be requested.

Do not try to clean earwax out yourself. Protecting children from colds and cigarette smoke reduces middle ear infections. People with a perforated eardrum should keep water out of the ear.

It may be water left after bathing; but watery or smelly discharge that comes on its own is a sign of infection. Clear discharge after a blow is an emergency.

Some mild cases may, but discharge is usually a sign of an infection that needs treatment; an examination is recommended.

Keep the ear dry, do not put anything in it and see a doctor; swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections are common in summer. Avoid swimming until a doctor says the ear has healed.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “After a blow to the head, is clear, watery fluid or blood coming from the ear?” “Is there a red, painful swelling behind the ear and high fever?” “Is there facial drooping, dizziness or a severe headache?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: within a few days once discharge starts (the same day for children); the discharge has been recurring for a long time; hearing has dropped noticeably.