Aural Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Aural Polyps?
A primary care doctor can often start treatment with ear drops. Many cases need an otolaryngologist, an ENT doctor, who can examine the ear more closely, remove tissue, and perform surgery when needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an aural polyp?
An aural polyp is a small lump of swollen tissue that grows in the ear canal or the middle ear space behind the eardrum. It is not cancer. It usually grows because of long lasting swelling or infection in the ear. It often causes fluid or pus to drain out of the ear.
A polyp is a growth that sticks out from a moist surface inside the body. These growths are often soft, reddish, and prone to bleeding if touched. They are usually linked to a long term ear problem, such as a chronic ear infection, a hole in the eardrum, or a cholesteatoma, a pocket of trapped skin cells in the middle ear.
Symptoms
The most common sign is fluid draining from the ear, which may be clear, yellow, or bad smelling. People often notice hearing loss, a full or blocked feeling, mild pain, or bleeding if the polyp is irritated. Anyone with these signs should have the ear checked by a doctor.
Causes and who gets it
Long lasting ear infections are the most common cause. A hole in the eardrum, a cholesteatoma, or a tube placed in the eardrum can also lead to one. People with repeated ear infections or a weakened immune system are at higher risk. Aural polyps are not passed from person to person.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor looks into the ear with a lighted tool called an otoscope and may check hearing with a simple test. If the cause is not clear, a CT scan may be ordered. A small tissue sample may be sent to a lab to rule out something more serious.
Treatment
Treatment aims to remove the polyp and fix the problem that caused it. Doctors often start with medicated ear drops and keeping the ear clean and dry. If drops do not work, or if a cholesteatoma is found, surgery may be needed, with follow up visits to confirm healing.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if fluid drains from the ear for more than a day or two, or if hearing gets worse. Seek care sooner if there is fever, strong pain, bleeding, dizziness, or swelling around the ear. Never try to remove a growth at home.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can be a good first stop, offering longer visits and careful follow up. If the polyp does not shrink or a cholesteatoma is suspected, they will refer the patient to an ENT specialist. A directory like FindMyDirectDoctor.com can help people find this kind of doctor.
Common questions
Are aural polyps cancerous?
No, aural polyps are almost always benign. A doctor may still test a sample to be sure of the cause.
Will an aural polyp go away on its own?
It usually does not. Ear drops and treating the underlying infection often shrink it, though some cases need surgery.
Can I pop or pull out an ear polyp myself?
No. Trying to remove it at home can cause bleeding, pain, and worse infection. Let a doctor handle it.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
