Ear infections are very common, especially in children. Ear infection symptoms can sometimes be self-limiting and usually resolve themselves within a few days. If they do not, arrange an appointment with a healthcare practitioner.
Check if it's an ear infection
Ear infection symptoms usually start quickly and include:
pain inside the ear
a high temperature of 38C or above
a lack of energy
discharge running out of the ear
a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
itching and irritation in and around the ear
scaly skin in and around the ear
Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:
rub or pull their ear
not react to some sounds
be irritable or restless
be off their food
keep losing their balance
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.
Differences between inner ear infection and outer ear infection
Inner ear infection (otitis media)
Caused by viruses like colds and flu
Affects the inner ear (the tube that runs behind the eardrum to the back of the nose – Eustachian tube)
Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
Caused by something irritating the ear canal, such as eczema, water or wearing earplugs
Affects the ear canal (the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum)
How to treat an ear infection yourself
To help relieve any pain and discomfort from an ear infection:
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
place a warm or cold flannel on the ear
remove any discharge by wiping the ear with cotton wool
do not put anything inside your ear to remove earwax, such as cotton buds or your finger
do not let water or shampoo get in your ear
do not use decongestants or antihistamines – there's no evidence they help with ear infections
See one of our practitioners if you have:
a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
an earache that does not start to get better after 3 days
swelling around the ear
fluid coming from the ear
hearing loss or a change in hearing
other symptoms, like being sick, a severe sore throat or dizziness
regular ear infections
a long-term medical condition – such as diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease
a weakened immune system – because of chemotherapy, for example
What happens at your appointment
Our practitioner will use a small light (an otoscope) to look in the ear and conduct a full examination.
They will take other observations;
heart rate and respiratory rate
Infections inside the ear
Antibiotics might be prescribed if:
ear infection does not start to get better after 3 days
you have fluid coming out of your ear
Outer ear infections
Your practitioner may prescribe:
antibiotic ear drops – to treat a bacterial infection
steroid ear drops – to bring down swelling
antifungal ear drops – to treat a fungal infection
antibiotic tablets – if your bacterial infection is severe
Ear drops may not work if they're not used correctly.
How to use ear drops
Remove any visible discharge or earwax using cotton wool.
Hold the bottle in your hand to warm it. Cold ear drops can make you feel dizzy.
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up to put the drops in.
Gently pull and push your ear to work the drops in.