Chronic Otorrhea
Chronic otorrhea is a condition where a child has persistent or recurring ear discharge, usually lasting longer than six weeks. This discharge may be clear, yellow, or sometimes foul-smelling. Chronic otorrhea often comes from the middle ear through a hole in the eardrum, which can be caused by infection, injury, or previous surgery. The condition is usually associated with chronic middle ear infections (otitis media). Children with ear tubes may also develop chronic drainage. While chronic otorrhea is not usually dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and may affect hearing and speech development.
Diagnosing chronic otorrhea starts with a physical examination by your pediatrician or one of our otolaryngologists (ENT). Your provider will use a handheld otoscope to look inside the ear to check for signs of infection, fluid, or damage to the eardrum. With recurrent drainage, your provider may use a swab to test the fluid for bacteria. In some cases, a hearing test (audiogram) and imaging studies like a CT scan may be needed to evaluate the extent of the problem or to check for complications.
Medical management is often the first step in treating chronic otorrhea. This typically includes antibiotic ear drops, which target the infection directly in the ear. Sometimes, oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is more severe or has spread. If the discharge is due to a fungal infection, antifungal drops will be used instead. It’s important for parents to keep the affected ear dry and follow up with the doctor to ensure the infection clears. In some cases, ear cleaning with a suction device helps the drops work more effectively.
If medical treatment doesn’t resolve the issue, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is a tympanoplasty, which repairs the hole in the eardrum. In more complex cases, especially if the infection has spread to the bone or other areas, more extensive surgery may be needed. Surgical treatment is generally safe and can significantly reduce the chance of recurring infections and hearing problems. If your child is struggling with chronic otorrhea, please contact our office to arrange a visit.