Ear pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it's a tugging toddler, a swimmer with a sore ear, or a dull ache after a cold, knowing what to do fast helps you avoid pain and complications. This page explains common types of ear infections, clear signs to watch for, simple first-aid steps, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
There are two main kinds people mean when they say "ear infection": middle ear infection (otitis media) and outer ear infection (swimmer's ear, or otitis externa). Otitis media often follows a cold and causes ear fullness, sharp pain, reduced hearing, and sometimes fever. Swimmer's ear usually starts after water exposure and gives intense pain when you pull the earlobe, itchiness, redness, and sometimes fluid or pus draining from the ear.
For babies, signs can be subtle: pulling at the ear, trouble sleeping, fussiness, eating poorly, or a fever. Adults might notice ringing, pressure, or popping along with pain. If hearing drops suddenly or fluid keeps coming out, that’s a strong cue to get checked.
1) Relieve pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help most people. Follow the dosing instructions for age and weight.
2) Warm compress: Hold a warm (not hot) cloth against the ear for 10–15 minutes to ease pain.
3) Keep the ear dry: For swimmer's ear, avoid swimming and keep water out while it heals. Use a shower cap or cotton with petroleum jelly when bathing.
4) Ear drops: Some cases improve with over-the-counter drops for pain or drying. But don’t use drops if the eardrum might be perforated (if there’s pus or sudden hearing loss).
5) Antibiotics: Not every ear infection needs antibiotics. Many middle ear infections in children and most mild cases in adults get better without them. A doctor will decide based on age, severity, and exam. Never buy antibiotics online without a valid prescription—use licensed pharmacies and a real prescription.
If symptoms are mild, you can watch for 48–72 hours while using pain relief and home care. If pain or fever gets worse, or if symptoms don’t improve, see a clinician.
When to head to urgent care or the doctor: severe pain, high fever, pus draining, sudden hearing loss, recurrent infections (3+ in 6 months), or symptoms in very young babies. Also seek care after head injury or if you have a weakened immune system.
Prevention is straightforward: avoid secondhand smoke, keep ears dry after swimming, treat allergies and colds promptly, and follow vaccine schedules—flu and pneumococcal vaccines reduce some ear infection risks.
If you’re unsure, get an exam. A quick look inside the ear with an otoscope tells most of the story. This page offers practical steps, but it’s not a substitute for medical advice. When in doubt, call your healthcare provider.
