Ear Drainage

Ear Drainage

Ear drainage (otorrhea) may be due to a bacterial or fungal infection involving the ear canal skin. Infections often result from water exposure or trauma to the ear canal skin. Trauma can occur by placing objects in the ear canal such as Q-tips.

Along with drainage, patients may also experience pain, hearing loss, and itchiness. If left untreated the infection can progress outside the ear canal to involve the outer ear and face.

Treatment will include evaluation in the office to determine whether the infection is bacterial or fungal and will involve cleaning the ear canal under a microscope. Most ear canal infections will resolve with topical ear drop treatment but occasionally will require oral medications.

Call ENT Northwest for more information and to schedule an appointment.