Treatment and Recovery Time for Ear Canal Infections

What are the treatment methods and healing time for otitis externa?

Hello doctor, I have a habit of cleaning my ears.
About five days ago, I noticed that my ear was very itchy and had some discharge, so I immediately went to a nearby clinic.
The doctor only examined the outer appearance of my ear and prescribed me ear drops, which were yellow and viscous.
After using them at home that night, I found that the left ear felt blocked the next morning, so I returned to the clinic for another consultation.
The doctor said that this was a normal phenomenon due to the ear drops solidifying and that it would resolve on its own.
However, when I lay down to rest at home, I noticed that my left ear was leaking bloody fluid.
This time, I went to a different clinic, where the doctor used instruments to examine my ear.
I saw that the outer ear had redness, swelling, and broken skin.
The doctor diagnosed me with otitis externa but mentioned that it was close to the middle ear.
This time, the doctor prescribed me ear drops and antibiotics.
I have been using the ear drops for the past two days but have not taken the antibiotics.
However, my ear still feels blocked and swollen, and my hearing is affected, with a slight throbbing pain.
I would like to know if this is a normal phenomenon or if I should return for a follow-up.
Is it possible that there is fluid accumulation in my ear? Is this a typical case of otitis externa, or could there be inflammation in the middle ear as well? Should I take the antibiotics? Under normal circumstances, how long does it take for the feeling of blockage to resolve with otitis externa treatment? Is there a possibility that my hearing could be permanently affected? I apologize for bothering you, but I am quite worried and unsure whether I should return for a follow-up or wait a while for the treatment to take effect.
Thank you, doctor.

MIMILY, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/24

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, based on the symptoms, it appears to be otitis externa, which is commonly associated with bacterial infections.
If the physician has prescribed antibiotics, it is recommended to continue the oral antibiotics and ear drops for treatment.
Generally, symptoms should gradually improve within 1-2 weeks and are unlikely to have a long-term impact on hearing.
If there is no complete improvement, it is advisable to continue follow-up visits for treatment.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/01/24

More Info

Ear canal infections, commonly known as otitis externa or swimmer's ear, can be quite uncomfortable and may lead to various symptoms, including itching, discharge, and a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. Your experience of having itchy ears with discharge, followed by a sensation of blockage and bleeding, indicates that you may be dealing with a more severe case of otitis externa, potentially progressing towards otitis media (middle ear infection).

When you first visited the clinic and received ear drops, it is not uncommon for patients to experience a sensation of fullness or blockage after using certain types of ear drops, especially if they are viscous or contain ingredients that can thicken in the ear canal. However, the presence of blood and the subsequent symptoms you described, such as swelling, pain, and hearing loss, suggest that the infection may have worsened or that there is a secondary issue at play.

The treatment for otitis externa typically involves the use of topical antibiotics or antifungal ear drops, depending on the underlying cause of the infection. In some cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed if there is a concern about the infection spreading or if it is particularly severe. It is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment regimen, including taking any oral antibiotics if they were recommended by your doctor. Not taking the antibiotics could prolong the infection and lead to complications.

Regarding your concerns about the sensation of fullness and whether it could be due to fluid accumulation, it is possible that the swelling in the ear canal is causing a blockage, which can lead to a feeling of pressure and diminished hearing. If the infection spreads to the middle ear, it can result in fluid buildup, which may require further medical intervention.

In terms of recovery time, most cases of uncomplicated otitis externa improve within 1 to 2 weeks with appropriate treatment. However, if you are not seeing improvement or if your symptoms are worsening, it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Persistent symptoms could indicate that the infection is not resolving or that there are additional complications, such as a perforated eardrum or the development of a more serious condition.

As for the potential long-term effects on hearing, while most cases of otitis externa resolve without lasting impacts, untreated or recurrent infections can lead to complications that may affect hearing. Therefore, it is essential to address any ongoing symptoms promptly.

In summary, it is important to adhere to your treatment plan, including the use of ear drops and any prescribed antibiotics. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical attention. Your health and comfort should be the priority, and timely intervention can prevent complications and promote a quicker recovery.

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