Otorrhea is a common ENT presentation affecting all the age groups which requires accurate assessment. The etiology of ear discharge is of complex nature, majority being aerobic bacteria, and the rest are anaerobes, fungi and mixed infections. Therefore, the need to determine the cause behind the discharge and to find out the nature and microorganism related to it becomes important. The current study is being conducted to determine the microbial flora in patients presenting with otorrhea and guide towards empirical treatment based on the susceptibility of the safest antimicrobial to the causative organism. The current study is a prospective observational (descriptive) study which involves a preliminary mycobacterial analysis of the ear discharge in a sample of 95 patients presenting with otorrhea. The commonest age group affected in the current study is 20-35 years with males commonly affected. Most common amongst the bacteria are pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.94%) and coagulase negative staphylococcus aureus (14.73%). Mycological profile revealed the predominance of Aspergillus species (9.47%). most common diagnosis was CSOM mucosal (84.21%) followed by CSOM squamous (11.58%). Other less common diagnosis included otomycosis (3.16%) and otitis externa (1.05%).The results of the current study is in concurrence with the other literature available on the microbial flora of otorrhea. However a detailed and in depth prospective study would be more than useful to enrich the knowledge and would enhance the understanding of disease processes which cause acute or chronic otorrhoea, so that appropriate preventive and curative measures can be undertaken.

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