Discharge from the Ear

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Discharge from the ear is an unpleasant symptom that reflects infection, inflammation, trauma or rarely neoplasm of the external or middle ear (Box 1). Persistent ear discharge and its associated odour can result in stigmatisation and social isolation in some communities (Figure 1).

The discharge itself arises either from the skin of the external ear canal, the surface of the tympanic membrane (eardrum), or the lining of the middle ear cleft (Figure 2). Discharge from the middle ear cleft often is profuse and mucoid in nature, because of the mucosal lining of the middle ear. In the clinical management of a discharging ear, accurate diagnosis is important and is facilitated by thorough history taking and examination. ENT specialists have the advantage of the use of the operating microscope available in the outpatient setting (Figure 3). Using the microscope in combination with suction equipment allows the specialist to aspirate discharge and closely inspect the ear canal and tympanic membrane. In the …