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Chronic Ear Discharge
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Chronic Ear Discharge
- Discharge from the ear for more than two weeks, or coming back again and again
- Discharge that smells bad
- Reduced hearing in the affected ear
- Discharge that starts after a cold or after water gets in the ear
- Usually little pain, unless the infection flares
An ear that keeps discharging for weeks or months, often called a running ear, is most often a long-term infection of the middle ear behind a hole in the eardrum. Doctors call this chronic suppurative otitis media. It is common in children and adults, and it often starts after an ear infection that was never fully treated. A less common but more serious cause is cholesteatoma, a growth of skin behind the eardrum that slowly damages the bone around it. Both reduce hearing. Cleaning and antibiotic drops dry many ears, and surgery closes the hole or removes the disease when they do not.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Discharge from the ear for more than two weeks, or coming back again and again
- Discharge that smells bad
- Reduced hearing in the affected ear
- Discharge that starts after a cold or after water gets in the ear
- Usually little pain, unless the infection flares
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital today if there is swelling, redness or pain behind the ear that pushes the ear forward, a high fever, a severe headache, weakness of the face, dizziness with vomiting, or a child who is drowsy or confused. These can mean the infection is spreading. See a doctor for any ear that has discharged for more than two weeks, and an ENT specialist if it keeps coming back, smells bad, or your hearing is getting worse.
Treatment options
- Careful cleaning of the ear canal by a clinician, with a microscope
- Antibiotic ear drops, used as prescribed
- Keeping water out of the ear
- A hearing test
- Tympanoplasty to close a hole in the eardrum once the ear is dry
- Mastoidectomy to remove cholesteatoma or disease that drops cannot clear
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Why does my child's ear keep running?
Usually because there is a hole in the eardrum and the middle ear stays infected. Water and colds set it off again. Cleaning, drops and keeping the ear dry help, and surgery can close the hole.
Is a smelly ear discharge serious?
It can be. A bad smell with long-term discharge can be a sign of cholesteatoma, which needs an ENT specialist to look with a microscope. It is not treated with drops alone.
Should I clean the ear with a cotton bud?
No. Cotton buds push discharge deeper and can damage the canal. Wipe only the outer ear, and let a clinician clean inside.
Need Help?
An ear, nose and throat specialist on a video call, who plans treatment and says whether an examination or an operation is needed.
See an ENT specialist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Cholesteatoma. NHS. Patient information.
- Ear infections. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.