An aural polyp is a growth in the outside (external) ear canal or middle ear. It may be attached to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), or it may grow from the middle ear space.
Causes
Aural polyps may be caused by:
- Cholesteatoma
- Foreign object in the ear
- Inflammation of the ear canal or middle ear
- Tumor of the ear canal or middle ear
Symptoms
Bloody drainage from the ear is the most common symptom. Hearing loss can also occur.
Exams and Tests
An aural polyp is diagnosed through an exam of the ear canal and middle ear using an otoscope or microscope.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your health care provider may first recommend:
- Avoiding water in the ear
- Steroid medicines
- Antibiotic ear drops
If a cholesteatoma is the underlying problem or the condition fails to clear, then surgery may be needed.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have severe pain, bleeding from an ear or a sharp decrease in hearing.
Alternative Names
Otic polyp
Images
References
Chi DH, Tobey A. Otolaryngology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 24.
Weinreich HM, Martin E, Santos F. Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and petrositis. In: Francis HW, Haughey BH, Hillel AT, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 139.
Review Date 4/29/2026
Updated by: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, FACS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.