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What is Ear Discharge?

Published in Ear Health Issues 2 mins read

Ear discharge, also known as otorrhoea, is any substance that drains from your ear. This can range from normal ear wax to other fluids.

Understanding Ear Discharge

What is it?

Ear discharge is essentially any fluid that comes out of your ear. While it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, it's often just your body's way of cleaning your ears.

Types of Ear Discharge

Type of Discharge Description
Ear Wax A natural mixture of oil and solid materials, like skin cells and hair. It helps protect your ears from dust and bacteria by trapping them and preventing them from going deeper into your ear canal.
Other Fluids These can include pus, blood, or clear liquid, which may indicate an infection, injury, or other medical condition.

Common Causes

  • Ear Wax Removal:
    • Your ears naturally produce ear wax to keep themselves clean. Sometimes, this wax is expelled from the ear, which is a normal and healthy process.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional ear discharge, especially ear wax, is normal, it's essential to see a doctor if you experience:

  • Discharge that is green, yellow, or bloody.
  • Pain, itching, or swelling in the ear.
  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
  • Fever or dizziness.