When a discharge from the ear is not accompanied by any marked interference with hearing, it is probably the result of an abscess in the auditory canal. When preceded by severe earache, and accompanied by marked deafness, and when of very long standing, the discharge probably comes from the middle ear, in which tlie process of suppuration is taking place.

The Treatment of Discharge from the Ear

Syringe the ear thoroughly one to three times a day, according to the amount of discharge, employing tepid water with the syphon or fountain syringe. Care should be taken not to use too great force, as the membrane of the ear may be ruptured. The ear should be drawn upward and backward, and the nozzle of the syringe should be introduced about one-fourth of an inch. If the discharge is very offensive, a carbolic acid lotion in the proportion of five drops to the ounce, or a solution of permanganate of potash, twenty grains to the pint, should be employed.