Fluid draining from your ear (especially if smelly, bloody, or pus-like) Fever An increase in pain or redness on the skin behind your ear Severe dizziness Facial weakness Buzzing or other noise in your ears Patients with diabetes, especially older patients or patients with severe ear pain, are at-risk for more serious infection and should visit a doctor urgently. Ask to be referred to an otolaryngologist (ear and throat doctor). [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Do not attempt to dry out your ears using cotton or any other object. Cotton swabs increase the risk of infection, and are particularly dangerous when the ear is already infected.
To create a dry, warm compress, microwave a wet washcloth, then seal it in a zip-locked bag. You can wrap a second, dry towel over the bag for more comfort. To avoid burning, do not apply the compress to children, or to a sleeping person.
If you have ever had a damaged eardrum or ear surgery in the past, consult a doctor before using the treatments below, even if you do not have these symptoms. [5] X Research source
Alternatively, purchase a non-aqueous acetic acid eardrop at a drugstore. [6] X Research source Putting cold or hot liquids in your ear may lead to dizziness. Try to warm the solution to roughly your body temperature.
Warm water rinsing is not recommended for swimmer’s ear. [7] X Research source If your ear still feels blocked, visit an otolaryngologist or ask a general practice doctor for a referral. The otolaryngologist can clean your ear more effectively using suction. Never perform this step on a person with diabetes, not even at a doctor’s office. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Warm the solution by rubbing the container in your hands or placing it in a cup of warm water – without mixing the two liquids together. Lie down with your ear facing upward. Have an assistant place two or three drops on the wall of the ear canal, allowing air to escape so drops can get into the ear. Gently wiggling your ears will aid in this process. Remain lying down for a few minutes. [9] X Research source
An antibacterial eardrop (or more rarely, an antifungal eardrop) Insertion of a wick into a swollen ear canal, to allow eardrops to penetrate Oral or injected antibiotics if the infection has spread Surgical cleaning of the ear canal Incision and drainage of an abscess Let your doctor know if you are diabetic, immune-compromised, or if you have had ear surgery or a punctured eardrum in the past.
Even excessive water irrigation to remove earwax can cause damage. If you suffer from excessive earwax, ask a doctor for advice on safe treatment. Excessive soap use on your ears can increase the chance of infection due to the raised pH levels. [11] X Research source
