How to Fix a Leaking Ear With Rubbing Alcohol

A leaking ear is an annoying problem, but not necessarily a serious one. Discharge from the ear may include blood, pus, fluid or ear wax, although ear wax is the most common discharge. Possible causes are an infection or a minor irritation, but more serious causes include cancer, something stuck in the ear canal or some sort of head injury. You can start trying to fix a leaking ear with rubbing alcohol, but if it continues, you should always see your health care provider. Follow these simple steps for home treatment of a leaky ear with rubbing alcohol.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton ball or medicine dropper
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Fill a medicine dropper or wet down a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. You can also mix a combination of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar. Either solution will kill any bacteria, as well as dry out, the ear. You can buy a medicine dropper at any local drugstore.

2. Tilt your head sideways with the leaking ear facing up.

3. Pull your ear up and back to open the ear canal.

4. Squeeze the liquid from the cotton ball or medicine dropper into the ear.

5. Move your ear around to help work the solution around the ear.

6. Tilt your head to the other side so that the leaking ear is facing down. Place a towel under your head to let the fluid drain out of the ear. Repeat this process once a day until the leaking has stopped.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use the rubbing alcohol for more than five days without consulting your doctor. Rubbing alcohol can dry out your ear.

• If the leaking from your ear is white, yellow or bloody, has lasted more than five days, is painful or the result of an injury, you should contact a health care provider before trying to treat the leaking ear yourself.

References

• National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health, "Ear Discharge"
• University of Tennessee Medical Center, "Ear Discharge"
• The Natural Fitness Trainers Association, "End Chronic Ear Infections/Swimmers Ear"