How to Drain an Ear Infection

Normally the fluid buildup caused by an ear infection resolves itself naturally over a period of weeks or months. However, there are times when this does not occur and medical intervention is necessary. This article will explain how to drain an ear infection.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Decide if you need to take action about your ear infection. Generally, the indications for medical intervention are chronic ear fluid for more than four to six months; or more than three ear infections in six months or more than five in one year.
- 2
  
  Schedule an appointment with a qualified ear nose and throat specialist, or ENT. In most cases your ENT will decide to give you an ear tube. This is a tiny tube inserted into the ear canal to allow the fluid to drain.
- 3
  
  Make plans to have someone bring you home after the procedure. If the patient is a child, make sure that they are well supervised after the surgery. The ear tube is normally inserted into the eardrum under general anesthesia and will remain in place for six months to one year. It would be advisable to have someone with you until the effects of the general anesthesia wear off. This typically occurs within a few hours to one day.
- 4
  
  Educate yourself regarding the potential risks. As with any surgery, there are risks (though minimal) to general anesthesia.The tubes often leave a little scar covering approximately one sixth of the eardrum. This scar is often permanent. However, there is no long term consequence of this scarring. Although, most physicians will inform you that they cannot be completely sure that the scarring will not lead to any hearing problems over the course of a lifetime.

Tips & Warnings

General indication for tubes are chronic ear fluid for more than four to six months; or more than three ear infections in six months or more than five in one year.
Ear tubes don't always prevent ear infections. Some children will still get infections even with the tubes, but in most cases the fluid drains out right away rather than staying confined around the eardrum.
As with any surgery, while minimal, there are the risks involved with general anesthesia.
Generally, ear tubes should be considered a last resort to resolve fluid buildup from chronic infections that will not drain on its own.

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How to Drain an Ear Infection

Instructions

Tips & Warnings

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