Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Ear infection (ear canal)

In an ear canal infection, the skin between the outer ear and eardrum is red and swollen. Pain when pulling the ear, itching, fluid and a blocked feeling are typical. Keep the ear dry and only use prescribed ear drops.

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In an ear canal infection, the skin between the outer ear and eardrum is red and swollen. Pain when pulling the ear, itching, fluid and a blocked feeling are typical. Keep the ear dry and only use prescribed ear drops.

  • Ear pain that worsens when pulling the outer ear or pressing in front of the ear.
  • Itching, burning or a full, blocked feeling in the ear canal.
  • Keep the ear dry during treatment and postpone swimming until recovery.
  • Do not put anything in the ear: no cotton bud, finger, oil, alcohol or home remedy.
  • Make an appointment for noticeable ear pain, fluid from the ear, swelling or reduced hearing.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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E
Ear dischargeEar discharge means fluid, pus, blood or clear fluid is coming from the ear. Possible causes include a middle-ear infection with a hole in the eardrum, ear canal inflammation, a perforated eardrum, a foreign body or injury. Rarely, very clear watery fluid after head trauma may indicate leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Keep the ear dry, avoid cotton buds and do not start ear drops without knowing what is wrong.
E
Ear infection (middle ear)In a middle ear infection, inflammatory fluid is present behind the eardrum. Children in particular develop sudden ear pain and fever after a cold. Most infections recover on their own, but young babies, seriously ill children and complications need prompt assessment.
P
Perforated eardrumA perforated eardrum is an opening in the thin membrane between the ear canal and middle ear. It may result from an ear infection, a pressure difference, a loud bang or an object in the ear. Many small tears heal by themselves, but the ear must stay dry, and sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, head injury or persistent discharge needs prompt assessment.