Ear Infections (especially in children)

Patient Information

Ear infections can occur in the outer ear (otitis externa), middle ear (otitis media), or inner ear. They are common in children but can affect adults as well.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain or pressure in the ear
• Hearing loss or fullness
• Fluid drainage from the ear (especially in outer ear infections)
• Fever (common with middle ear infections)
• Irritability (especially in children)

Labs

• Ear exam (visual inspection of the ear canal and eardrum)
• Tympanometry (measures pressure in the middle ear, if needed)

Treatments

• Pain relief with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Warm compress to the ear
• Antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
• Decongestants for middle ear infections

Follow-Up

• If symptoms do not improve within 48-72 hours or if new symptoms like dizziness or hearing loss develop, return for reevaluation.
• Follow up with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist if ear infections are recurrent.