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Ear Discharge Quiz

Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Jeff Caba, DHSc, PA-C.

Last updated August 8, 2024

Quiz Overview

Experiencing ear discharge can be concerning and may indicate various underlying conditions. This quiz is designed to help you identify the potential causes of your ear discharge, providing insights into symptoms, possible diagnoses, and potential treatments. By answering a series of targeted questions, you can better understand your condition and determine if you need to consult a healthcare professional and what treatments are available at-home or in-person.

Results Interpretation

After completing the Ear Discharge Quiz, you'll receive a personalized assessment based on your responses. Here’s how to interpret your results:

Mild Ear Discharge
Potential Diagnoses: Earwax buildup, mild ear infection (otitis externa), or water trapped in the ear canal.
Potential Tests/Imaging: Often, no tests are required for mild cases. A physical examination and possibly an otoscopic examination may be conducted.
Potential Treatments: Ear drops, gentle ear cleaning, keeping the ear dry, and over-the-counter pain relief.

Moderate Ear Discharge
Potential Diagnoses: Middle ear infection (otitis media), perforated eardrum, or chronic otitis externa.
Potential Tests/Imaging: Otoscopic examination, hearing tests, and possibly a tympanometry test to assess the eardrum’s function.
Potential Treatments: Prescription ear drops, antibiotics, keeping the ear dry, and in some cases, minor surgical procedures like myringotomy (ear tube insertion).

Severe Ear Discharge
Potential Diagnoses: Severe ear infection with abscess, cholesteatoma (abnormal skin growth in the ear), or mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone).
Potential Tests/Imaging: Comprehensive evaluations including CT scans, MRI, and possibly culture tests of the discharge to identify the infection.
Potential Treatments: Hospitalization for severe infections, intravenous (IV) antibiotics, surgical intervention to remove growths or drain abscesses, and specialized follow-up care.

FAQ: Ear Discharge Quiz

  1. What are common causes of ear discharge?
    Ear discharge can be caused by conditions such as earwax buildup, ear infections, water trapped in the ear, eardrum perforations, or more serious issues like cholesteatoma or mastoiditis.
  2. When should I see a doctor for ear discharge?
    You should see a doctor if your ear discharge is persistent, foul-smelling, or accompanied by other symptoms such as hearing loss, dizziness, or if you have a history of ear infections or ear surgeries.
  3. Can ear discharge be a sign of a serious condition?
    Yes, while ear discharge is often due to minor issues like earwax buildup, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious condition like a severe ear infection, cholesteatoma, or even a skull base fracture. Seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms.
  4. How can I manage mild ear discharge at home?
    For mild cases, you can try keeping the ear dry, using over-the-counter ear drops, avoiding inserting objects into the ear, and monitoring the symptoms. However, if the discharge persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
  5. Are there lifestyle changes that can help prevent ear discharge?
    Maintaining good ear hygiene, avoiding excessive ear cleaning, using ear protection when swimming, and managing allergies can help prevent ear discharge. It’s also important to treat any ear infections promptly.
  6. What should I expect during a medical evaluation for ear discharge?
    During a medical evaluation, your doctor will take a detailed history, perform an otoscopic examination to look inside the ear, and may order additional tests such as hearing tests or imaging studies to determine the cause of the discharge and recommend appropriate treatment.

Legal and Medical Disclaimers

Buoy is not a substitute for and does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Buoy Services do not replace your relationship with any doctor or other qualified health care provider and may not be appropriate for all medical conditions or concerns. If you think you may be having amedical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.