Ear infections and pus discharge (otorrhoea) worry patients and parents alike — but with the right knowledge and timely care, most problems resolve without permanent harm. In Lucknow, patients trust an experienced ENT Surgeon Lucknow for clear diagnosis and modern treatments. Globally, otitis media affected roughly 391 million people in 2021, and middle-ear disease remains a major cause of hearing loss in children; meanwhile, advanced options such as Cochlear Implant Lucknow are increasingly available for people with severe-to-profound deafness.
What causes pus discharge from the ear?
Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the ear (otorrhoea) usually means an active infection. Common causes include:
Acute otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) — infection of the ear canal that often follows water exposure. Up to about 10% of people get it at some point. Symptoms include pain, itching, and discharge.
Acute or chronic otitis media — infection of the middle ear. A perforated eardrum can let middle-ear pus drain out, producing otorrhoea. Global incidence rose in recent decades, especially among young children.
Foreign body or trauma — cotton buds, insect entry, or aggressive cleaning can injure the canal and introduce infection.
Post-surgical or device-related infections — after ear surgery or in rare cases around implants.
Because presentations vary, an ENT Surgeon Lucknow will examine your ear with an otoscope, clear debris when needed, and decide whether medical or surgical care will be best.
How common is ear discharge — quick facts
The global number of otitis media cases increased from ~322 million (1992) to 391 million (2021).
Otitis externa has a 12-month period prevalence around 1.2–1.3% in community studies; acute cases often present with pain and discharge. In children, the incidence of otitis media remains especially high: nearly 297 million pediatric cases in 2021. Early treatment prevents hearing loss and developmental delay.
These numbers highlight why prompt assessment by an ENT Surgeon Lucknow matters — untreated infections can cause chronic discharge and hearing impairment.
Symptoms that should make you see an ENT right away
Seek immediate ENT care if you or your child has:
Persistent or heavy pus discharge lasting >48–72 hours despite basic care
Severe ear pain, fever, or spreading redness/swelling
Sudden or progressive hearing loss, dizziness, or facial weakness
Recurrent ear discharge after previous treatment
An experienced ENT Surgeon Lucknow can inspect the ear canal and eardrum, swab discharge for culture if needed, and start targeted treatment.
Diagnosis — what to expect
Your ENT will typically:
Take a focused history (duration, smell, hearing changes, water exposure).
Perform otoscopy to visualize the ear canal and tympanic membrane.
Clean ear canals (microsuction or gentle suction) to see the source of discharge.
Order hearing tests or imaging (audiometry, CT) if infection is severe, chronic, or there are complications.
A prompt, accurate exam from an ENT Surgeon Lucknow reduces unnecessary antibiotics and speeds recovery.
Treatment options — simple to advanced
Treatment depends on the cause:
Otitis externa (outer ear): Prescription ear drops (antibiotic ± steroid) and canal cleaning usually clear infection in days. Avoid water exposure until healed.
Acute otitis media with perforation: Topical ear drops, oral antibiotics when indicated, and close follow-up. Most heal; some require surgical closure (tympanoplasty).
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM): Long-standing discharge often needs surgical repair of the eardrum and removal of infected tissue (tympanoplasty or mastoid surgery). Post-op rehabilitation can restore hearing.
Hearing restoration: For people with severe-to-profound sensorineural loss who do not benefit from hearing aids, Cochlear Implant Lucknow services provide life-changing hearing rehabilitation. In India, cochlear implantation involves clinical, surgical, and long-term mapping resources — costs and packages vary across centres.
If you live in Lucknow and face persistent ear discharge or hearing loss, consult an ENT Surgeon Lucknow who can advise whether conservative care, surgery, or advanced options like Cochlear Implant Lucknow are appropriate.
Prevention — simple daily steps
Don’t insert cotton buds or sharp objects into the ear.
Dry ears after swimming; use ear plugs for recurrent swimmer’s ear.
Treat upper respiratory infections promptly, especially in children.
Control allergies and eczema that can predispose to ear canal inflammation.
Keep follow-up appointments after any ear surgery or persistent discharge.
These steps lower the chance you’ll need repeat visits to an ENT Surgeon Lucknow.
When surgery or implants become necessary
Surgery becomes important when conservative care fails, when there’s a persistent eardrum perforation, cholesteatoma (abnormal skin growth), or recurrent infections that threaten hearing. For irreversible sensorineural deafness, Cochlear Implant Lucknow programs assess candidacy and deliver the implant plus lifelong mapping and therapy. In India, cochlear implant packages vary but can run into several lakhs; public and charitable programs sometimes subsidize care for children.
Final words — act early, protect hearing
Pus discharge from the ear signals an infection that deserves attention. Early inspection, appropriate topical or systemic therapy, and timely referral to an ENT Surgeon Lucknow prevent complications and restore comfort. For people with long-term hearing loss, Cochlear Implant Lucknow services offer a modern pathway back to hearing and communication. If you or a loved one have persistent ear discharge or hearing concerns, don’t delay: consult a qualified ENT specialist today.
