Blocked Ears & Ear Drainage in Children

Blocked ears and ear drainage are common concerns for parents. Children may complain of a feeling of fullness, decreased hearing, or have fluid or pus coming from the ear. These symptoms can be caused by ear infections, fluid buildup, or impacted ear wax. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help parents manage the condition effectively and seek timely care.

Table of Contents

Types of Ear Problems in Children

External Ear Canal Infections (Otitis Externa)

Otitis externa, also called swimmer’s ear, affects the outer ear canal. It often occurs when water or moisture is trapped in the ear, or when the ear canal is injured by scratching or cotton buds.

  • Pain in the ear, especially when touched
  • Ear blockage or fullness
  • Decreased hearing
  • Redness or swelling of the outer ear
  • Discharge from the ear canal
  • Topical antibiotic or antifungal ear drops
  • Ear canal cleaning by an ENT surgeon to remove debris
  • Oral antibiotics if the infection is severe
  • Keep the ear dry during recovery

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Otitis media affects the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. It often develops after a cold or flu, as bacteria travel up the Eustachian tube from the back of the nose.

  • Blocked or full sensation in the ear
  • Ear pain (may be mild or absent)
  • Decreased hearing
  • Fluid or pus drainage in some cases
  • Oral antibiotics for bacterial infections
  • Nasal decongestants to relieve nasal obstruction
  • In persistent fluid cases, a myringotomy with grommet (ear tube) insertion may be recommended to drain fluid and restore hearing

Chronic Middle Ear Infection

Sometimes, repeated ear infections can cause a hole in the eardrum, leading to chronic discharge. This condition is known as chronic suppurative otitis media.

  • Topical antibiotic drops
  • Oral antibiotics
  • If recurrent, surgical repair (myringoplasty or tympanoplasty) may be advised to prevent further ear damage

Impacted Ear Wax

The ear is self-cleaning in most children, but ear wax can build up and block the ear, causing hearing loss or a blocked sensation.

  • Gradual or sudden decrease in hearing
  • Ear fullness or discomfort
  • Occasionally pain or discharge if the wax causes irritation
  • Ear wax softening drops (used with caution in children with allergies)
  • Professional removal by an ENT surgeon using a microscope to avoid damage to the ear canal or eardrum

Causes of Blocked Ears and Ear Drainage

  • Ear infections (outer or middle ear)
  • Fluid buildup in the middle ear after colds or flu
  • Impacted ear wax
  • Trauma or injury to the ear canal
  • Allergies or nasal obstruction leading to middle ear fluid
  • Inadvertent foreign body insertion in ears 

Preventing Ear Problems in Children

  • Avoid inserting objects into the ear
  • Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
  • Manage allergies to prevent fluid buildup in the middle ear
  • Keep children up to date with vaccinations to reduce ear infection risk

When to See an ENT Specialist

Seek early consultation if your child:

  • Has repeated ear infections or persistent drainage
  • Experiences hearing loss or speech delay
  • Shows severe pain, swelling, or fever
  • Has discharge that smells foul or is bloody

Early intervention helps prevent complications such as hearing loss or chronic ear disease.

Our Paediatric ENT Specialists in Singapore

Dr Dawn Teo

Medical Director, Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon

Dr Low Mei-Yi

Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon

Disclaimer:

The information on the The Children’s Eye & ENT Centre website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.