Otitis externa
Ear discharge
Ear Discharge Assessment in Nottingham
Ear discharge may feel wet, sticky, smelly, watery or pus-like. It can be caused by infection, inflammation, eczema, trapped debris, a foreign body, chronic ear disease or a perforated eardrum.
What patients notice
Common symptoms and signs
Symptoms can overlap between different ear conditions. The safest first step is a careful clinical assessment so treatment is based on what is actually seen and heard during your appointment.
- Wetness or fluid from the ear
- Unpleasant smell from the ear canal
- Discharge with pain, itching or swelling
- Reduced hearing or blocked sensation
- Recurrent episodes of discharge
Possible causes
What could be causing this?
The cause can vary from person to person. Your clinician will consider your symptoms, medical history and ear examination findings before advising on the most appropriate next step.
Fungal or bacterial infection
Ear eczema or dermatitis
Perforated eardrum or middle-ear infection
Foreign body or trapped debris
How we can help
Doctor-led assessment at Nottingham Ear Clinic
A doctor-led examination can help identify whether the discharge is coming from the ear canal, eardrum or middle ear. Ear swabs may be taken where clinically useful to guide treatment.
Safety guidance
When to seek urgent medical advice
Most ear symptoms can be assessed in a routine appointment, but some symptoms should not wait.
- Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Facial weakness, severe headache or neurological symptoms
- Marked dizziness, collapse or severe balance disturbance
- Swelling, redness or tenderness spreading around the ear
- High temperature, feeling very unwell, diabetes or reduced immune function
If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or concerning, please contact your GP, NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers about ear discharge and when to book an appointment.
Is ear discharge usually an infection?
Infection is a common cause, but discharge can also occur with inflammation, eczema, trapped debris, foreign bodies or eardrum problems.
Can you take an ear swab?
Yes. If clinically indicated, a swab can help identify bacterial or fungal infection and guide the most appropriate treatment.
Should I put drops in before being assessed?
Avoid using repeated or leftover drops unless advised by a clinician, as the correct treatment depends on the cause and appearance of the ear.
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