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 USD 16 – USD 54 0 days (Outpatient procedure) ~ 7-10 days Know More
Turkey USD 121 – USD 403 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.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Muthusamy just had this calm way about him. He listened to all my jumbled-up worries, did a quick check, and explained everything in a way that actually made sense. Walked out feeling silly for being so nervous, but mostly just relieved.

ENT Specialists for Otitis Externa

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

Dr. Souvik Roy Choudhury
  • 15 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Yogeshwar C
  • 12 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Trisha Srivastava
  • 11 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Suchir Maitra
  • 6 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Deviprasad
  • 20 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Chidananda
  • 12 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anjali P K
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sakshi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashok Kumar Saha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Babu K
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ushirin Bose
  • 13 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Deepak Murty
  • 32 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Santosh S
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Himani Indeewar
  • 11 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ushirin Bose
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Susmita Ghosh
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harpreet Singh
  • 22 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath M K
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nithya V
  • 17 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Krishna
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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