Infection of the ear canal and the middle ear is a problem commonly encountered in the ENT clinic.

The common symptoms are:
1. Ear pain. This can be excruciating
2. Ear discharge
3. Hearing loss, tinnitus or ear blockage

Ear canal infection
Ear canal infection is usually caused by habitual ear cleaning with cotton buds. Frequent swimming or allowing water to enter the ear canal often may also trigger ear canal inflammation. Patients who are prone to developing skin rashes will find ear canal skin inflammation particularly troublesome.

Application of steroid and antibiotics will effectively treat this condition.

Middle ear infection
Middle ear infection is frequently associated with upper respiratory tract infection. The ear pain that is typical of this condition is caused by the build up of pus in the middle ear. The breakdown of the ear drum leads to ear discharge. Fortunately most ear drum holes that result from middle ear infections close spontaneously. Holes that do not heal may need surgical repair.

Foul smelling pus flowing out of the ear	Acute infection of the outer ear
Trauma to the outer ear with blood collection	Irreversible outer ear deformity as a result of delay in treatment