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Ear Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Ear Nose Throat

Ear Infections

Ear infections are a common childhood ailment that often resolve on their own, though severe cases may require medical intervention.

Overview

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common.

The infection usually affects the middle ear and is called otitis media. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot get through all that fluid.

Symptoms

If your child isn't old enough to say "My ear hurts," here are a few things to look for:

  • Tugging at ears
  • Crying more than usual
  • Fluid draining from the ear
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Balance difficulties
  • Hearing problems

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your health care provider will diagnose an ear infection by looking inside the ear with an instrument called an otoscope.

Often, ear infections go away on their own. Your health care provider may recommend pain relievers. Severe infections and infections in young babies may require antibiotics.

Children who get infections often may need surgery to place small tubes inside their ears. The tubes relieve pressure in the ears so that the child can hear again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seek urgent care if the child develops a high fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, shows signs of meningitis such as a stiff neck or extreme lethargy, experiences sudden hearing loss, or if the ear becomes red, hot, and swollen behind the ear, which may indicate mastoiditis. Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down also warrants immediate evaluation.
Yes, adults can develop otitis media, though it is less common than in children. Adult ear infections are often associated with upper respiratory infections or allergies. Treatment may include antibiotics if bacterial, along with pain management and decongestants. Unlike children, adults with recurrent infections may be evaluated for underlying issues like Eustachian tube dysfunction or chronic sinusitis that require specific management strategies.
Most viral ear infections or mild cases resolve on their own within 72 hours. If symptoms like fever, ear pain, or fluid drainage persist beyond three days, or if the child is under six months old, medical evaluation is necessary to determine if bacterial infection is present and requires antibiotic treatment.
Ear tubes are small cylinders placed in the eardrum during a minor surgical procedure to ventilate the middle ear and allow fluid to drain, preventing pressure buildup and recurrent infections. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes less than 30 minutes. Most children return to normal activities within a day, though they should avoid swimming or getting water in the ears for a few weeks as directed by the surgeon.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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