How to Get Rid of Excess Fluid From the Ears
- 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.
