Home › Patient Information › Hospitals › East Surrey Hospital › Outer Ear Infection

Outer Ear Infection.

You have been treated for an Outer Ear Infection. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following will aid your recovery.

Print

Chinese (Traditional)

The Key Messages:

This is a very common condition
It can be very painful
Ear drops or a spray can be used to treat the infection or inflammation

What to look out for:

Symptoms are not improving after 1 week
Increased pain to the bone behind the ear
Unwell with fever

If this occurs return to the Emergency Department

The ear canal can occasionally become infected.

You might notice:

Pain from the ear
Irritation/itching
Discharge from the ear
Hearing loss

If you have these symptoms you should see your family doctor. They may prescribe a course of eardrops with or without a course of antibiotics. Below is a guide on how to apply drops to your ear. It is often easier if you have help from a friend or family member.

To apply ear drops:

Lie down, turning your head to the opposite side.
Hold the ear drops over your affected ear, gently squeezing the tube to release one drop.
Try to aim this to fall into your ear canal (it can be a bit difficult).
Aim to squeeze out at least 3 drops into the ear canal. You should be able to feel it go inside your ear.
Keep your head in the same position for at least 10 minutes. This prevents the drops coming back out when you stand up.
After 10 minutes stand up slowly. Sometimes a small trickle of liquid may come out of the ear. Do not worry, gently dab it with a dry cloth, as some drops may stain clothing.
Until you finish the course of drops you should keep the ear dry. To shower/bathe apply plenty of petroleum jelly to a cotton wool ball and gently place it at the entrance to the ear canal. Strictly no swimming or use of cotton buds is allowed.

It may take a week or two for the infection to clear up. If your symptoms do not settle after this time or show signs of getting worse you will need to contact your doctor. You can help prevent infections by keeping the ear clean and dry. Avoid putting anything inside the ear canal (eg, fingers, cotton buds, toys etc).

Should you have eczema of the ear, you might be given a separate cream or ointment.

Share this...

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.

Am I Prepared?

Related Information

Social Media

Social media is everywhere, we use it everyday in some shape or form. Here are some tips on using social media to improve your mental wellbeing.

Social Media

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Stressed man frustrated with electronic devices

Burnout at work

Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…

News & Blog

World Alzheimer’s Month – Simple tips to reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s

Simple tips for reducing risk of alzheimer’s – World alzheimer’s Month

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

A Little Exercise

You don’t have to become a rambler, ‘hit the gym’ or run 5k to get exercise. However it is important that you get at least 150…

Exercise

Was this information useful?

How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

How was your visit today?

How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.

You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.

Find Out More

News & Blog

View All

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature

Videos

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

Burnout at work

Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…

Blog