1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Ear Infection Quiz
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John D Donaldson, MD, FRCS(C), FAAP, FACS

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical attention may be necessary in the following circumstances:

• If the child has experienced several ear infections (ear drainage, particularly bloody drainage) within a relatively short period of time.
  
  
• The child has persistent ear drainage after using the drops as ordered.
  
  
• The child has increasing ear pain without ear drainage.
  
  
• The ear becomes swollen with ear drainage and the drops will not go in.
  
  
• If the caregiver is told there is an ear problem and there is no ear drainage.
  
  
• If any significant change of hearing is noted.

Must Read Articles Related to Ear Tubes

Hearing Loss To understand hearing loss it is important to understand how normal hearing takes place. There are 2 different pathways by which sound waves produce the sensati...learn more >>

See the Entire Ear Tubes Topic Guide »