How do you know when your ear infection is healing?

There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate your ear infection is healing:

1. Reduced Pain: The intense ear pain that accompanies an ear infection typically starts to subside as the infection begins to resolve.

2. Diminished Discharge: If you have been experiencing ear discharge (fluid or pus coming out of your ear), you may notice a reduction in the amount or even complete cessation of the discharge as the infection heals.

3. Improved Hearing: If your ear infection affected your hearing, causing muffled or decreased hearing, you may start to notice a gradual improvement in your hearing as the infection gets better.

4. Fever Resolution: If your ear infection caused a fever, your body temperature should return to normal as the infection heals.

5. Relief from Pressure and Congestion: Feeling of pressure or congestion inside the affected ear may start to ease as the infection improves.

6. Reduced Inflammation: Redness and swelling in the affected ear may diminish as the infection heals.

7. Enhanced Sleep and Appetite: If your ear infection disrupted your sleep or appetite, you may find yourself sleeping better and eating more normally as the infection resolves.

8. Absence of Dizziness: Dizziness or balance problems associated with severe ear infections should start to improve as the infection heals.

It's important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor and complete the entire course of antibiotics (if prescribed) even if you start to feel better. This helps ensure the complete eradication of the infection and reduces the risk of complications or recurrence. If your symptoms do not improve or if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.