QuestionHi Dr. Aukerman,
I recently suffered a terribly painful ear infection while in Europe and was diagnosed with otitis media with a perforated eardrum. I was given systemic antibiotics as well as Otosporin ear drops. The pain disappeared almost immediately. I'm back in the US and will try to get in to see an ENT but I have a question. I have a small but continuous clear, somwhat viscous, drainage...even though it's been about 2 weeks since the onset of the problem. Is this normal? Or do you think there is likely to still be an active infection? By the way, I would say my hearing in the affected ear is about 25% of normal and, as I said, I'm in no discomfort. Thank you for your thoughts.
AnswerI have a small but continuous clear, somwhat viscous, drainage...even though it's been about 2 weeks since the onset of the problem. Is this normal?
Answer: this is about normal for most people due to the ruptured ear drum.
Or do you think there is likely to still be an active infection?
Answer: the drainage would be watery and blood tinged if infected plus you would notice the pain usually.
By the way, I would say my hearing in the affected ear is about 25% of normal.
Comment: Yes, this is correct
