Ear discharge: does it automatically mean infection?

Are you worried about the colour or frequency (or perhaps both) of your ear discharge? If you are starting to notice your ear discharge on a more frequent basis, this article will answer all the doubts you may have.

Read on in our latest article below, where ENT specialist, Mr Vikas Malik, outlines what the exact causes of ear discharge are, explains how it is treated, and reveals whether or not ear discharge always points towards an infection.

What causes discharge from the ear?

There are a variety of different causes of ear discharge. It could either be due to a problem with the outer part of the ear, outside the eardrum, or from behind the eardrum, which is much more serious.

The discharge could be a brownish/goldish colour, or it could be watery. Watery discharge crystalises outside the ear, and is usually due to blockage and itching in the ear.

It could also be a yellowish/greenish pus-like discharge. This can happen because of problems outside the eardrum, or more commonly, from behind the eardrum.

It is really important that this type of discharge (coming from the middle ear) is addressed, because if it is not, patients can suffer from serious complications such as loss of hearing, experiencing a ringing and buzzing sound, balance problems, facial weakness, meningitis, and brain abscess.

How do you treat ear discharge?

Treatment for ear discharge really depends on what is causing it. If it is related to the outer part of the ear, simple treatment such as de-waxing and microsuction earwax removal are very effective. 

Antibiotic cream and drops are very useful for problems originating from behind the eardrum. If it is due to a build up of skin behind the eardrum or a hole in the eardrum, surgical treatment will often be required.

Does ear discharge always indicate an infection?

Ear discharge does not always necessarily mean infection, no. Commonly, when patients experience ear discharge, it is simply due to a lot of wax that has built up in the ear.

What are the most effective home remedies for ear discharge?

The most important things are to keep your ears dry, and to not let anything get in your ear.

Mr Vikas Malik is a highly experienced and proficient ENT specialist who is an expert in ear discharge and everything relating to it. If you are experiencing ear discharge, make sure to contact Mr Malik via his Top Doctors profile today to make an appointment with him.