Intermittent Ear Pain, Retracted Ear Drum, Wax Drainage, Mucus Discharge, No Odor, No Fever, No Pain.

Posted on Sun, 22 Jan 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 Answered on

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : my daughter had intermittant ear pain a few days ago . I took her to her m.d who said her eardrum looked retracted.2 days ago a large amont of wax drained from her ear, now she is having a watery sometimes mucusy discharge that has no oder. She has no fever and is not complaining of pain

Answered by Dr. James M. Schwartz (40 minutes later)

Hello XXXXXXX

I am happy to answer your question.

While a retracted ear drum does not usually lead to rupture (rupture more often follows a bulging ear drum), it remains a possibility. If it is ruptured, it is usually no problem. About the only precaution is to not immerse the head in water (i.e., swim) without ear plugs. The ear drum is made of a kind of skin, and it usually heals.

Since she has no pain or fever, this is not an urgent situation. I would make a routine follow up appointment with her doctor and let her/him have a look.

I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to follow up, if needed.

Best,
Dr. J Schwarz

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