Key takeaways
- Ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria and can affect the inner, middle, or outer ear. Symptoms vary by type but may include ear pain, hearing loss, discharge, fever, dizziness, and itching or swelling.
- Children are more likely to develop ear infections because their ear tubes are smaller, making fluid drainage difficult. Signs in young children include tugging at the ear, fussiness, trouble sleeping, fever, and balance problems.
- Many ear infections can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, but bacterial infections often require antibiotics like amoxicillin. Seek medical attention if you have a fever of 102.2°F or higher, discharge from the ear, or symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 days.
Overview
Ear infections are very common conditions caused by viruses or bacteria that cause swelling in your ears. There are three main types of ear infections:
- inner ear infections
- middle ear infections (otitis media)
- outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear)
Ear infections are particularly common in children. Recognizing the signs of an ear infection early can help you prevent complications and seek treatment to feel better quicker.
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What are the key symptoms of an ear infection?
The following table shows the typical symptoms of different kinds of ear infections.
| Symptom | Inner ear infection | Middle ear infection | Outer ear infection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain | Deep, often severe | Dull or sharp, especially when lying down | Pain that worsens when pulling the ear or pressing on the tragus |
| Hearing loss | Common, temporary | Mild to moderate, temporary | Rare |
| Discharge | Rare | Possible fluid drainage from the ear if the eardrum ruptures | Possible yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge |
| Dizziness | Common | Rare | Rare |
| Fever | Possible | Common, especially in children | Rare |
| Ear fullness | Common | Common | Rare |
| Itching | Rare | Rare | Common |
| Swelling | Rare | Rare | Common |
| Redness | Rare | Rare | Common |
| Tinnitus | Possible | Rare | Rare |
| Balance problems | Common | Rare | Rare |
Healthcare professionals may also look inside your ear to make a diagnosis. They might notice:
- a bulging eardrum
- the eardrum appearing less transparent
- redness or color changes deep in the ear
- reduced eardum mobility, tested with a special instrument
How do I identify an ear infection in children?
Ear infections are more common in young children than in adults.
This is due to several factors. For example, the tubes in the ear are smaller and more level in children than in adults. This makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear. If these tubes are swollen or blocked with mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain, leading to infection.
What’s more, a child’s immune system isn’t as effective as an adult’s because it’s still developing. This makes it harder for children to fight infections.
Many ear infections happen to children too young to talk. If your child isn’t old enough to tell you how they’re feeling, here are a few things to look for:
- tugging or pulling at the ear
- fussiness and crying
- trouble sleeping
- fever (especially in infants and younger children)
- fluid draining from the ear
- clumsiness or problems with balance
- trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds
When should I seek medical attention?
The following symptoms are a signal you should seek urgent medical attention:
- a fever of 102.2°F or higher
- pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear
- worsening symptoms
- symptoms of an ear infection that last for more than 2 to 3 days
- hearing loss
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
| Warning: Seek medical attention right away if your child is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 °F or higher. |
How are ear infections treated?
Many ear infections can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or pain-relieving ear drops. But if your ear infection is caused by bacteria, doctors will typically prescribe antibiotics.
The primary antibiotic choice for ear infections is amoxicillin (Amoxil) for 10 days. Amoxicillin can be used for adults and children older than 3 months. This medication can be taken orally or as ear drops that go inside your ear to target the infection.
Some other possible antibiotic ear drops include:
- 3 to 4 drops of polymyxin B, neomycin, and hydrocortisone four times per day
- 5 drops of ofloxacin (Floxin) twice per day
- 3 drops of ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal) twice per day
Though it is rare, sometimes ear infections can be caused by a fungal infection. In this case, the treatment includes prescribing a topical antifungal. Some examples of these include:
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If you or your child has an ear infection, here are some next steps to consider:
- Monitor symptoms closely and track their progression over the next 2 days or so.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for discomfort.
- Apply a warm compress to the affected ear to ease pain (but avoid this if there’s discharge or severe pain).
- Stay hydrated and rest to support your immune system.
- Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into your ear to prevent further irritation or damage.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or last more than 2 to 3 days.
- Follow prescribed treatment if diagnosed with a bacterial or fungal infection.
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