How to Get Rid of Excess Fluid From the Ears

Ear infections can result from upper respiratory infections, because the Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat. If this tube gets clogged, the middle ear can't drain of fluid build-up from the infection. Physicians use three methods to get rid of excess fluid in the ears: tubes through an incision in the eardrum, antibiotics and waiting it out. The tube insertion is performed when the infection does not yield to antibiotics. This matter is of particular interest in children, as the hearing loss from excess fluid can impede verbal development.

Things You'll Need

• Ear drops
• Surgery
• Antibiotics
• Ear plugs

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Instructions

• 1

  See an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist), preferably a surgeon, since this is a specialized problem that requires experience.

• 2

  Go on antibiotics, if your doctor prescribes it. This should take care of the infection causing the fluid build-up.

• 3

  Consider surgery for insertion of tubes, if the antibiotics don't work. The surgeon will made an incision in the eardrum, drain the middle ear through the incision, and leave a tube in to allow continued drainage. The fluid should be examined in a lab to determine the nature of the infection. The tympanostomy tubes help equalize pressure and may prevent future infection and fluid build-up.

• 4

  Use eardrops a directed, after surgery. Avoid swimming underwater. Use earplugs while bathing. Make sure any water that gets in the ear from bathing eventually exits.

• 5

  Allow four weeks for healing after surgery. The tubes will fall out in six to 12 months, though sometimes surgery is needed to remove them. According to EarSurgery.org, "In most patients who undergo this operation, the tubes are successful in preventing recurrent fluid."

• 6

  Have the ENT check for a tumor if several rounds of antibiotics didn't work. They are rare, but that's why they sometimes aren't checked for.