how long does it take for an ear infection to drain out of my eardrum?

Question

I have liquid in my ear drum that is an ear infection. i was put on amoxcilian ith penecilian in it. she said it could take 2 month to drain completely. i was wondering if any body else had this problem and how long it did take for them to drain? does it only take 2 month?

Answer 1

Hi, I'm an Audiologist (hearing and balance specialist).

A middle ear infection (otitis media) occurs when bacteria grow in fluid that is in the middle ear space behind the eardrum. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. It is very important that you take the medication consistently and fully as prescribed in order to ensure that ALL the bacteria are killed.

Typically, patients feel much better after several days on the antibiotic (but be sure to continue taking it ALL even if you feel better, so the infection doesn't come back). Once the infection is treated, the inflammation usually subsides, which allows the fluid to drain through the Eustachian tube into the back of the throat. This can take about 6-8 weeks until there is complete recovery of normal eardrum movement. In some people, the fluid will stay in the ear, even without an active infection, which can damage the tiny bones behind the eardrum if it remains for a prolonged period of time.

If the eardrum has ruptured, the fluid will drain through the opening there, and you would have been prescribed antibiotic drops in addition to the pills. Most of the time these will heal on their own, but the time it takes will vary depending on the location and extent of the damage.

Swimmer's ear is an external ear infection (external otitis), which means that a bacteria or fungus is growing in the external ear canal. It is usually treated with ear drops only, so I am confident that the type of infection you have is in the middle ear space.

•• NOTE TO JANIE ••
(regarding airplane travel during an ear infection)

Is your daughter on antibiotics already? If not, see the doctor as soon as you can to get her started on treatment. I flew with my son when he was younger and had chronic ear infections, and we used the Ear-Planes earplugs which are designed to allow the air pressure to change more gradually so it is less painful and safer for sick ears.

http://www.cirrushealthcare.com/EarPlanes-C8.aspx

Answer 2

Ruptured Eardrum Drainage

Answer 3

How To Drain An Ear

Answer 4

I had a ear infection about 3 weeks ago. I took about two weeks to heal. I think you should ask your doctor about ciprodex they are ear drops that you put in twice a day four times. You should ask your doctor my ear in fection was called swimmer's ear contact me if you want to my email is [e-mail]


Jackie

Answer 5

I had the problem, it was miserable.. yes about two months is how long it took me to get well..I just got better last week and I had a busted eardrum and did the antibiotic thing also.. hang in there..Everything takes time..Be patient.

Answer 6

I have always been plagued with ear infections. You can use alcohol to dry up the water. Or get some ear drops for swimmers ear.

Answer 7

sounds about right. Maybe only 2 weeks but it does take a long time.

Answer 8

terrific question kerri my daughter is going thru the exact same thing and we are soon going to be on a plane i am so afraid her eardrum may rupture ----any comments on that?

Answer 9

it depends on how serious is ur eardrum.normally it takes about 3-4 wk 4 healing.

Answer 10

http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/infections/bacterial_viral/swimmers_ear.html