Learn about Otitis Externa Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Otitis Externa and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, the tube leading from the outer ear to the eardrum. An ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist performs a thorough evaluation to diagnose and treat this condition. The primary procedure involves meticulous cleaning of the ear canal under microscopic guidance to remove debris, pus, and infected material. This is often followed by the application of medicated ear drops containing antibiotics, antifungals, or steroids to combat infection and reduce swelling. In more severe or recurrent cases, additional interventions like wick placement or minor surgical debridement may be necessary. Prompt and proper treatment by an ENT specialist is crucial to relieve pain, clear the infection, and prevent complications such as a deeper spread of infection.

Key Highlights

    Provides rapid relief from ear pain, itching, and discomfort.Effective cleaning removes infectious debris and allows topical medications to work better.Performed under direct visualization using a microscope for precision and safety.Helps prevent the infection from spreading to deeper tissues or becoming chronic.Outpatient procedure with no significant downtime for most patients.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent ear pain, itching, or a feeling of fullness in the ear canal.
  • Redness and swelling of the outer ear and ear canal.
  • Drainage of pus or fluid from the ear.
  • Decreased hearing due to blockage of the ear canal by swelling or debris.
  • Failure of initial treatment with over-the-counter ear drops.
  • Recurrent episodes of swimmer's ear.
  • Presence of a foreign body or excessive earwax contributing to the infection.

How to prepare

  • Avoid inserting anything into the ear, including cotton swabs, for at least 24-48 hours before the appointment.
  • Inform the ENT doctor about all current medications, allergies, and any history of ear problems or surgeries.
  • The ear may be examined with an otoscope; no special fasting or medication changes are typically required.
  • Be prepared to discuss symptoms, their duration, and any potential causes (e.g., swimming, use of hearing aids).

Risks & possible complications

  • Minor discomfort or pain during the cleaning procedure.
  • Temporary dizziness or vertigo.
  • Rare risk of perforating (tearing) the eardrum during cleaning.
  • Allergic reaction to the medicated ear drops.
  • Incomplete resolution of infection, potentially requiring further treatment.
  • Spread of infection to surrounding skin (cellulitis) or deeper structures (malignant otitis externa) in severe, untreated cases.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Keep the ear completely dry for 7-10 days; use a shower cap or cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly during baths.
  • Use prescribed antibiotic or antifungal ear drops exactly as directed, completing the full course.
  • Avoid swimming and strenuous activities that cause sweating until the doctor advises it is safe.
  • Do not insert anything into the ear canal, including earbuds or hearing aids, until healing is complete.
  • Follow-up with the ENT as scheduled to ensure the infection has cleared and the ear canal has healed properly.
  • Pain and swelling typically subside within a few days of starting treatment.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 7-10 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering otitis externa in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for otitis externa compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 1.5 Thousand – 5 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 7-10 days Know More
Turkey TRY 5.25 Thousand – 17.5 Thousand 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 7-10 days Know More

Top hospitals for Otitis Externa in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing otitis externa.

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Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Robert Kumar, a 58-year-old accountant and...

Robert Kumar, a 58-year-old accountant and avid swimmer, developed intense right ear pain and a feeling of fullness after his daily swim sessions. Over three days, the pain became severe, radiating to his jaw, and he noticed a slight yellowish discharge. His primary care physician diagnosed acute otitis externa and prescribed antibiotic ear drops, but after five days, Robert's ear canal was so swollen that the drops couldn't penetrate. The ENT specialist, Dr. Evans, recommended an ear wick insertion. Robert was anxious about the procedure, fearing more pain. In the clinic, after a gentle cleaning, Dr. Evans inserted a small, medicated sponge wick into the ear canal. There was momentary pressure but relief as the anti-inflammatory medication was delivered directly to the infection site. Within 24 hours, the swelling reduced dramatically, allowing him to resume the drops. After one week, the wick was removed, and the infection had cleared. Robert felt immense relief and gratitude, moving from frustration and sleepless nights to feeling heard and effectively treated. He learned to use preventive drying drops after swimming.

ENT Specialists for Otitis Externa

Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform otitis externa and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Muthu kumar s
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gayatri Pandit
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Diptarka Bhattacharyya
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. J Jayabaskar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shalina Ray
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Rangachari
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alok Banka
  • 18 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. EV Raman
  • 43 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Girish Rai
  • 38 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bathi Reddy
  • 36 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Nair
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Parvinderjit Singh Kohli
  • 20 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Sharma
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen Kumar R
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dathathri HA
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Raykar N Raykar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shalini Bansal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shanthala MN
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated