How to Drain an Inner Ear Infection

A doctor can tell you if your ear drum has ruptured.

Ear infections are most commonly caused from bacteria or viruses such as the common cold virus. Liquid may drain from the infected ear, or there may be pain and irritation. Fortunately, there are safe and effective methods to drain fluid from ear infections, while speeding the healing process. Follow a few steps to drain your ear infection and get the comfort you need.

Things You'll Need

• Warm compress
• Pressure-relief device

Instructions

1. Tilt your head to the side and use a warm compress against your ear. The warmth will allow evaporation and comfort for pain. You may need to reheat the compress as it cools and clean it from the drainage.

2. Keep all objects out of your ear canal and wash your hands frequently. One of the common ways to catch ear infections is through dirty hands and other objects. Keep ear buds and earplugs clean and do not put any objects in your ear canal, including hairpins and cotton swabs or tips.

3. Seek medical help if you have ear fluid or severe pain for more than one day or if your child has pus and/or blood draining from her ear. This may signify a ruptured ear drum. Although this may seem like an emergency, getting care for your child within a day or two will be sufficient. The rupturing of the ear drum may relieve your child's discomfort.

Tips & Warnings

• The EarPopper is highly recommended by doctors as the No. 1 pressure-relief device. It is fast and simple, while proven to be safe in clinical studies, with the latest study published in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal and funded by the National Institutes of Health.

• Try drug-free methods to drain middle-ear fluids and comfort your pain.

• Always consult your doctor if you have colored drainage or hearing loss. If you suffer from ear infections often, it could be a sign of medical problem.

• Cotton tips are used for cosmetics and for cleaning the outside of the ears, not for cleaning inside of the ear canal. Do not stick any object inside your ear canal.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
• Ear Popper: Pressure-Relief Device