What Are the Treatments for Ear Infections?

Ear infections are quite common in young children, with three out of four having at least one by the age of 3. Older children and adults rarely get ear infections. Most ear infections heal on their own, but persistent or severe cases will require some treatment.

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics are generally the only treatment required for an ear infection. They will usually be prescribed for infants under 6 months old or for children who have recurring infections.

Drainage Tubes

• When recurring ear infections don't clear up with antibiotics or when a child's hearing is diminished by fluid in the ears, a drainage tube will be used. This is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, which uses a tube inserted into the ear drum to drain fluid.

Pain Medication

• If an ear infection is causing significant pain, the symptom can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Get your doctor's approval for young children. Never give a child aspirin.

Warm Compress

• The pain associated with an ear infection can be dulled with a warm compress. Soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out and press it gently against the infected ear.

Home Monitoring

• If your child experiences chronic ear infections, home monitoring systems are available that check for fluid in the ears. The readings will give you an indication of when it's time to schedule a doctor's appointment.