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The majority of children will develop an ear infection at some point in their lives, but the majority will be self-limiting or respond promptly to antibiotic treatment. Once ear discharge develops and fails to settle following treatment, continuing discharge may represent underlying pathology of the tympanic membrane such as a perforation or indicate the need for modification of the initial antibiotic treatment. In cases of chronic ear discharge it is vitally important that the ear drum can be seen clearly in order not to miss pathology such as cholesteatoma. Referral to an ear nose and throat specialist is indicated in cases where the ear discharge continues for a number of weeks or becomes recurrent.