1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Ear Infection Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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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.

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Otitis externa

• Most cases are treated with eardrops for 7-10 days.
• These drops contain an antibiotic to fight the infection, and often a steroid to reduce swelling.
• The drops are placed in the affected ear with the individual laying on their side. After the drops are placed, the patient should remain in this position for about 5 minutes to prevent the drops from running out.
• If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick or small piece of gauze material may be placed into the canal to allow the ear drops to reach the appropriate location.
• Occasionally, the health care practitioner may prescribe an oral antibiotic as well as the eardrops. Pain medication is often needed for a few days until the infection is under control.
• The ear canal should be kept dry during treatment. An earplug or small cotton ball coated with Vaseline can be used during bathing to keep water out.
• In some cases the drainage in the ear builds up, and the infection won't clear until it is removed. Referral to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) may be required.

Otitis Media

• There are different ways of approaching the treatment of otitis media. Depending upon the situation, the health care practitioner may prescribe antibiotics immediately. This is most often used for adults who develop otitis media.
• Alternatively, in children, observation and comfort care may be appropriate, and if symptoms resolve in 2-3 days, no antibiotics may be necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this two-step approach depending upon the age of the child, the certainty of the diagnosis, the severity of illness, and the ability of the child and family to have access to follow-up care.
• The decision about which course of treatment to use will depend upon the discussion between parent and health care practitioner.
• Symptomatic treatment may include pain control with over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, drinking plenty of fluids, and humidifying the air.

Bullous Myringitis

• Treatment for infections of the eardrum may include oral antibiotics, antibiotic ear drops, and pain medications.

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