How Long Does Recovery Take From An Ear Infection?

Posted on Tue, 17 May 2016

Question: I have had an ear infection for the last 9 days after my eardrum ruptured 9 days ago. I've been on two different antibiotics and my ear finally stopped leaking fluid two days ago. I still have a high pitched squeal noise from my ear, it still has a stuffed up feeling and I've lost my of my hearing out of that ear. How long will it take for this to go away and is there anything I can do to make it better?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Noise (tinnitus) is due to presence of perforation in the ear drum...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

After going through the history, I do feel, you could have sustained a ruptured ear drum following the ear infection.

The high pitched noise (tinnitus) could be secondary to the perforated ear drum; when the air passes through the hole. The stuffy feeling is due to the peforation of the ear drum and blockage of the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear).

The healing depends upon the body to fight the infection and size of the perforation. It may vary from few days to 3 weeks.

My suggestions to you are:
1. To avoid water getting into the affected ear.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day for at least 5 minutes.
3. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
4. Use saline nasal spray 1-2 puff in each nostril, as frequently as possible. This will also help in relieving the ear block.

Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have nay follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (20 minutes later)

Thank you for the follow up. My Doctor did tell me the eardrum was healing when I went in last Thursday but the ear is still muffled badly inside like my head is under water. I've been having a bit of numbness in my head and face surround that ear, with a slight headache, is this all normal? The leaking has stopped but otherwise my hearing is terrible. It's driving me crazy.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
These are the common symptoms of this condition...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

All the symptoms described by you are the common features of this condition. Nothing to worry about. Please continue with the suggestions I made in my earlier post, you will get better soon.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T