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

Medical Author:

Rahul K. Shah, MD, FAAP, FACS

Rahul K. Shah, MD, FAAP, FACS

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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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In most cases, no additional care or visits to the doctor are necessary. If pain increases and swelling or drainage do not decrease within 48 hours, a doctor should be contacted for a follow-up appointment. When a foam wick is placed, it is important to follow-up with a doctor to ensure it is properly and completely removed. Avoid further trauma or the chance of getting moisture in the ear for a couple of weeks after an infection.

• Swimming, scuba diving, and flying should be restricted until all pain and swelling are gone and no debris remains in the ear canal.
• Severe, recurrent, or difficult to treat swimmer's ear may be referred to an ear specialist (otolaryngologist).
• People who have had ear surgery such as tympanic membrane (eardrum) surgery and mastoidectomy (removal of part of the bone behind the ear or removal of the air spaces in that bone) should discuss water sports and ear protection with their ear specialist.
• People with tubes in their ears (a common technique used to prevent ear infections in smaller children) may also talk with their ear specialist about the best ways to swim and protect their ears at the same time.

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