What is fluid from the ear?

Fluid or discharge from the ear is also called otorrhoea. It means any substance draining from your ear.

Ear wax is a mixture of oil and solid materials your ears naturally produce. Ear wax is important because it can help to prevent dust and bacteria from getting in your ear.

Sometimes fluid from your ear is the way your body gets rid of ear wax. However, fluid from your ear can also be a sign of an ear problem or injury.

What symptoms can be linked to fluid from the ear?

Your symptoms will depend on what is causing the fluid or discharge from your ear.

You might have:

• pain
• itching
• loss of hearing
• ringing in your ear
• dizziness
• fever

The fluid might contain:

• wax
• blood
• pus

If you notice fluid coming from your ear, check your symptoms with healthdirect's online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.

The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it's self-care, visiting your doctor, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).

What causes fluid from the ear?

Fluid draining from your ear is often caused by ear infections.

Middle ear infection

A middle ear infection is sometimes called otitis media. The infection causes a build-up of fluid behind the ear drum.

Sometimes the fluid causes so much pressure that your ear drum bursts. You might have severe pain and then see thick yellow fluid coming out of your ear.

Middle ear infections are common in children but can happen at any age.

If your ear drum doesn't heal, fluid can continue to drain out. This is called chronic suppurative otitis media. You might see lots of white, yellow or green fluid coming out of your ear without any pain.

This can happen after a middle ear infection. It can also happen if you have grommets.

Outer ear infection

An outer ear infection is sometimes called otitis externa or swimmer's ear.

It happens when the skin inside your ear canal swells and gets infected. Discharge can build up in the ear canal and drain out of the ear.

Other ear infections

There are also some serious infections that can cause fluid from the ear.

One infection is called mastoiditis. It's an infection of the bone behind your ear.

Another infection is malignant otitis externa. This is an infection of your ear canal and part of the skull.

Other cause of fluid from your ear

Other things that can cause fluid to come out of your ear are:

Damage to your ear drum — your ear drum can tear if you push an object such as a cotton bud in too deeply. It can also be damaged due to changes in pressure. This can cause fluid to leak through the hole and out of your ear.

An object in the ear — this usually happens if a child puts something like a small toy or stone in their ear. You might notice fluid containing blood or pus leaking from their ear.

Cholesteatoma — this is an abnormal growth of cells in the middle ear. It can cause fluid with a bad smell to leak from your ear.

A serious head injury — this can cause fluid from your brain to leak out of your ear. The fluid might look clear or blood-stained. This is a medical emergency.

Eczema of the ear — this can cause clear liquid to leak from your ear.

How is fluid from the ear diagnosed?

Your doctor will look in your ear using an instrument called an otoscope. Sometimes the doctor can tell straight away what is causing the fluid.

Sometimes you might need to have:

• a hearing test
• a CT scan
• an MRI scan

When should I see my doctor?

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you see fluid or blood leaking from the ear of a person who has recently had a head injury.

See your doctor if you notice fluid leaking from your ear.

You should also see your doctor as soon as possible if your ear is swollen, painful or red or if you:

• have a fever — a temperature of 38℃ or higher
• feel dizzy or have trouble with your vision
• can't hear properly
• have had an injury
• have diabetes or a weak immune system

Keep your ear dry and avoid swimming or bathing until you have had your ear checked by a doctor.

When should I seek urgent medical care?

Call an ambulance or go to a hospital if:

• you have sudden loss of hearing
• you or your child have a head injury
• your child has a button battery stuck in their ear

How is fluid from the ear treated?

Treatment for fluid from the ear will depend on what is causing the problem.

Self-care at home

Often you will be told to keep the ear as dry as possible. You may be told not to go swimming until your ear is better.

Injuries to the ear drum usually heal without being treated.

Medicines for fluid from the ear

Middle ear infections usually clear up in a few days without antibiotics. Pain medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain.

Sometimes your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if an ear infection persists.

Antibiotic ear drops are usually needed to treat chronic suppurative otitis media and swimmer's ear.

You might also need to take antibiotics for an injury to your ear drum. The doctor might advise antibiotics if they think there is a risk of infection from the injury.

Other treatment options

You may need to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon if something is stuck in your ear. They can remove the foreign body from your ear. They can also treat a cholesteatoma.

Complications of fluid from the ear

Complications depend on what is causing the fluid from your ear. If you are concerned, you should talk to your doctor.

Complications from middle ear infections

Fluid in the middle ear is common in children. Sometimes fluid in the ear can go unnoticed. It might affect your child's:

• hearing
• balance
• behaviour
• speech

Your child may seem tired or not able to concentrate. If it's not treated your child might not meet their developmental milestones.

If the fluid in the ear continues to be a problem, grommets may be needed. Grommets help with air circulation and stop the build-up of fluid.

Can fluid from the ear be prevented?

Here are some things you can do to prevent conditions that can cause fluid from the ear.

To prevent respiratory infections, practise good hygiene. Respiratory infections can lead to ear infections. Also, make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations.

Don't put anything in your ears. You should not use cotton buds or any other objects to clean inside your ears. Try to prevent your child from putting toys and food in their ears.

Avoid flying and diving if you have a blocked nose.

To prevent swimmer's ear, dry your ears after swimming or showering.

Prevent ear injuries by wearing a helmet when riding a bike or playing contact sports.

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.