Otitis Externa Treatment in India
About Otitis Externa
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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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.
Popular choices for otitis externa in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform otitis externa. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
Top hospitals for Otitis Externa in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing otitis externa.
Delhi, India
73 Doctors
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.
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri
- 23 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 17 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 5 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 23 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 15 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 33 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 28 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore