What does ear discharge feel like with middle ear infection?

You may notice fluid on a pillow or at the ear opening, with earache, pressure, reduced hearing, fever, or irritability. Discharge can be thin or thicker and may appear after pressure behind the eardrum changes. Pain can sometimes ease when fluid starts to drain, but drainage still needs assessment because the source may be the middle ear, the ear canal, or an injury. Do not try to diagnose the cause from colour alone.

Wipe fluid gently from the outer ear with clean tissue and keep water, cotton buds, and other objects out of the ear canal. Do not use leftover drops unless a clinician has recommended them for this episode, particularly when a hole in the eardrum is possible. Arrange medical assessment for new discharge, pain, hearing change, or fever so the ear can be examined and treatment chosen appropriately.

Seek urgent help for swelling or redness behind the ear, severe pain, marked dizziness, facial weakness, a serious head injury, confusion, or a very unwell child. Prompt assessment is needed for blood or clear fluid after injury, sudden hearing loss, persistent vomiting, or severe headache with fever and neck stiffness.

Ask where the discharge is coming from, whether the eardrum can be seen safely, and which treatment and cleaning methods are suitable. Tell the clinician when drainage began, its appearance and smell, pain or fever, recent swimming, hearing change, and any injury.