Understanding ear infections and when to seek professional help
Ear infections are very common, particularly in children. They affect the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum) and can cause pain, discomfort, and temporary hearing problems.
Most ear infections clear up on their own within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week. While they can be painful and distressing, particularly for young children, they usually get better without the need for antibiotics.
Pain inside the ear is usually the main symptom, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
A fever or feeling hot and shivery often accompanies an ear infection.
Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing is common during an ear infection.
Fluid or discharge running out of the ear may occur if the eardrum has perforated.
A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear is a common symptom.
Itching and irritation in and around the ear, sometimes with scaly skin.
In Young Children and Babies: Look out for rubbing or pulling their ear, not reacting to some sounds, being irritable or restless, being off their food, or keeping losing their balance.
There are three main types of ear infections, affecting different parts of the ear:
The most common type, affecting the space behind the eardrum
Also known as swimmer's ear, affects the ear canal
Affects the inner ear structures
To help ease pain and discomfort from an ear infection:
A pharmacist or GP may recommend or prescribe:
Note: Eardrops may not work if they're not used correctly. Your pharmacist or GP can show you the proper technique.
If you have symptoms of an ear infection, a GP or pharmacist may use an instrument with a small light and magnifying glass (an otoscope) to look inside your ear.
Some otoscopes blow a small puff of air into the ear to check for blockages, which could be a sign of an infection.
Important: You cannot always prevent ear infections, particularly those caused by colds and flu. However, following these guidelines can help reduce the risk.
For children aged 1 to 17: A pharmacist can give the same treatments as a GP for an ear infection and provide advice.
We can assess your hearing after an ear infection to ensure it has returned to normal and identify any ongoing issues.
Comprehensive hearing tests to evaluate any temporary or permanent changes to your hearing following infections.
Regular monitoring for those who experience recurrent ear infections to track ear health over time.
Testing to assess middle ear function and fluid presence, helping to diagnose the cause of recurring infections.
If necessary, we can refer you to an ENT specialist for further investigation and treatment of persistent ear problems.
We provide practical guidance on preventing future infections and managing ear health effectively.
If you're experiencing recurrent ear infections, have concerns about your hearing after an infection, or need advice about ear health, we're here to help. Our experienced audiologists can provide comprehensive assessments and ongoing support.
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