Ear Pain & Ear Discharge (Kaan Behna) Treatment in Kanpur: Causes & Eardrum Repair

Earache and fluid drainage from the ear—commonly referred to in Hindi as 'Kaan Behna'—is one of the most frequent reasons patients visit an ENT clinic in Kanpur. In many households, minor ear discharge or fullness is ignored or self-treated with warm mustard oil or over-the-counter eardrops. However, recurrent ear discharge is a clear sign of an underlying middle ear infection or a ruptured eardrum (perforated tympanic membrane).

If neglected, chronic ear infections can erode the delicate hearing bones (ossicles), lead to irreversible hearing impairment, cause persistent dizziness, and in severe cases, spread infection toward the mastoid bone and brain. In this article, Dr. Sangeeta Sengar (Senior ENT Specialist and Micro-Ear Surgeon at Medi Help Hospital, Kanpur) explains the causes, complications, precautions, and modern micro-surgical solutions for ear infections.

What Causes Ear Discharge (CSOM)?

Medically termed Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM), chronic ear discharge occurs when bacteria or fungi infect the middle ear cavity behind the eardrum. Common causes include:

• Unresolved Childhood Ear Infections (ASOM): Severe cold or throat infection spreading via the Eustachian tube into the ear.
• Contaminated Water Entry: Bathing in the Ganges, swimming pools, or unhygienic water entering a damaged ear canal.
• Trauma from Cotton Buds / Pins: Poking matchsticks, hairpins, or earbuds into the ear canal, causing direct puncture to the fragile eardrum.
• Barotrauma: Rapid atmospheric pressure shifts during flights or deep diving.

Dangerous Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Never Put Oil or Household Liquids: Mustard oil, ginger juice, or ghee promote aggressive fungal and bacterial growth inside the ear.
• Avoid Cotton Swabs: Pushing earbuds into the ear packs wax tightly against the eardrum and risks permanent puncture.
• Do Not Allow Water Entry: Keep the ear strictly dry while bathing using silicone earplugs or vaseline-coated cotton.

Modern Treatments by Dr. Sangeeta Sengar at Medi Help Hospital, Kanpur

Under the care of Dr. Sangeeta Sengar, patients receive advanced diagnostics including Otomicroscopy, Pure Tone Audiometry (Hearing Test), and High-Resolution Temporal Bone CT Scans.

1. Medical Management & Micro-Suction

Gentle cleaning of infected discharge under a high-power operating microscope, followed by targeted antibiotic ear drops and oral medications.

2. Tympanoplasty (Micro-Ear Surgery)

For patients with a persistent hole in the eardrum, Tympanoplasty is a highly successful micro-surgical procedure. Dr. Sangeeta Sengar reconstructs the eardrum using the patient's own natural tissue graft (fascia). This stops ear discharge permanently, protects the middle ear, and restores crisp hearing.

3. Mastoidectomy

If an aggressive infection or abnormal skin cyst (Cholesteatoma) has invaded the mastoid bone, a precise mastoidectomy is performed to clear all infected bone cells and make the ear completely safe.

About Dr. Sangeeta Sengar

Dr. Sangeeta Sengar (MBBS, MS - ENT) brings over 12+ years of surgical excellence in micro-ear surgery, neuro-otology, and endoscopic sinus procedures. She consults at Medi Help Hospital, Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will hearing improve after eardrum repair surgery (Tympanoplasty)?
Yes. In the vast majority of cases, repairing the intact eardrum restores normal sound wave transmission to the inner ear, significantly improving hearing clarity.

Q2: How soon can I take a bath after ear surgery?
You can take a body bath immediately, but the operated ear must be kept completely dry for 4 to 6 weeks until complete healing is verified.

Q3: Where can I consult Dr. Sangeeta Sengar in Kanpur?
At Medi Help Hospital, Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur.