Common symptoms
- Earache
- Ear discharge
- Blocked ear, or a feeling of fullness
- Decreased hearing
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Foreign body in the ear
- Injury to the eardrum
When to see an ENT specialist
- Earache lasting more than a couple of days
- Any discharge from the ear
- Hearing reduced in one or both ears
- Ringing in the ear that does not go away
- After an injury to the ear or a slap on the ear
- Something stuck in the ear — do not try to remove it with buds or pins
Do not wait for an appointment. Sudden hearing loss in one ear, difficulty breathing, or a nosebleed that will not stop needs the hospital emergency department now, not an appointment.
How it is assessed
Ear endoscopy gives a magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum, shown on a monitor so you can see it too. Wax, infection, a hole in the eardrum and fluid behind it can usually be identified straight away. Where hearing needs to be measured, you are referred for a hearing test (audiogram).
Treatment
Wax and foreign bodies can often be removed in the clinic. Ear infections are treated with ear drops or medicines, with advice on keeping the ear dry. A perforated eardrum that does not heal on its own, or long-standing ear discharge, may need surgery to repair the eardrum (tympanoplasty) or clear disease from the middle ear. For permanent hearing loss, you are referred for hearing-aid assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clean my ears with cotton buds?
No. Ears clean themselves. Buds push wax deeper and can injure the ear canal or eardrum. If your ear feels blocked, have it examined.
Will a burst eardrum heal on its own?
Many small perforations heal within a few weeks if the ear is kept dry. Those that do not heal may need surgical repair.
What causes ringing in the ears?
Tinnitus has many causes, including wax, infection, noise exposure and age-related hearing loss. Examination and a hearing test help find the cause and the right approach.
This page is general information to help you decide when to seek care. It is not a diagnosis — the right treatment depends on examination.