Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a long-standing infection of the middle ear in which the ear drum has a hole (perforation). Water or infection entering through the hole causes repeated discharge. Without treatment, hearing can gradually reduce and, rarely, infection can spread.
Ear Condition
Ear Discharge & Ear Drum Perforation
Repeated discharge from the ear, often with a hole in the ear drum and reduced hearing — a sign of chronic middle ear infection (CSOM).
Overview
Common symptoms
- Ear discharge that keeps coming back
- Reduced hearing in one ear
- Ear blocked or full feeling
- Discharge after water enters the ear
- Occasional ear pain or ringing
Common causes
- Repeated untreated ear infections
- Injury to the ear drum (slap, ear bud, blast)
- Eustachian tube dysfunction from nose/throat infections
- Water entering the ear through an existing hole
How it is diagnosed
Ear examination with an otoscope or endoscope
Pure tone audiometry (hearing test)
Swab of discharge if needed
CT scan in selected cases
Treatment
The ear is first made dry with ear cleaning (suction) and medicines. Once dry, the hole is closed with endoscopic myringoplasty, which stops the discharge and often improves hearing.
Surgical treatment options
See a doctor promptly if you have:
- Discharge that is foul-smelling or bloody
- Ear pain with swelling behind the ear
- Headache, fever or giddiness with ear discharge
- Sudden worsening of hearing
Frequently asked questions
Drops can dry the ear, but a long-standing perforation usually needs surgery (myringoplasty) to close.
No. Ear buds can push in infection and damage the ear drum.
This page is for general patient information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right treatment depends on your examination and test results.
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