Ear Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ear Infection?
A pediatrician (a doctor for children) or a family doctor usually treats ear infections. An ENT doctor, also called an otolaryngologist (a doctor for ear, nose, and throat problems), can help when infections keep coming back. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the space just behind the eardrum. Its medical name is otitis media. Ear infections are common in children. Adults can get them too, but much less often.
Swimmer's ear is a different problem, an infection of the outer ear canal. Another problem, called otitis media with effusion, is fluid in the middle ear without an infection. It does not cause fever, ear pain, or pus.
Symptoms
Older children and adults may have these signs:
- Ear pain.
- A feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Hearing loss in the affected ear.
- Fluid draining from the ear.
In babies, the main sign is often being fussy or crying that cannot be soothed. Many babies and children also have a fever or trouble sleeping. Sudden drainage of yellow or green fluid may mean the eardrum has torn.
Causes and who gets it
Germs cause ear infections. Viruses, such as those that cause colds, can cause them too. The eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat and normally drains fluid. If it gets blocked, fluid can build up and lead to infection.
Things that can swell or block the tube include allergies, colds, sinus infections, tobacco smoke, and infected or overgrown adenoids (lymph tissue high in the throat). Children get more ear infections because their eustachian tubes are smaller and more level than an adult's. Other risks include going to day care, using a pacifier, not being breastfed, and a family history of ear infections.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor asks about symptoms and past health. Then the doctor looks inside the ear with an otoscope, a small lighted tool. A red, bulging eardrum points to an infection. If the answer is still not clear, the doctor may do tympanometry, a test that uses sound and air pressure to see how well the eardrum moves.
Treatment
Some ear infections clear up without antibiotics. So can ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain or fever. Do not give aspirin to children.
Antibiotics do not help an infection caused by a virus. A doctor is more likely to prescribe them for a child who is under age 2, has a fever, looks sick, or does not improve in 24 to 48 hours. For a mild infection, a doctor may suggest watchful waiting, which means waiting 2 to 3 days to see if antibiotics are needed. If antibiotics are prescribed, take all of them as directed and do not stop when symptoms go away. Antibiotic side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and serious allergic reactions are rare.
If infections do not go away with the usual treatment, or a child has many in a short time, the doctor may suggest ear tubes. A tiny tube is placed in the eardrum so air can get in and fluid can drain.
When to see a doctor
Let a doctor know right away if a child younger than 6 months has a fever, even with no other symptoms. Also call a doctor for a fever of 102.2 degrees F (39 degrees C) or higher, pus or fluid coming from the ear, hearing loss, or symptoms that last more than 2 to 3 days.
Contact a doctor if you have swelling behind the ear, symptoms that get worse with treatment, or severe pain. New severe headache, dizziness, swelling around the ear, or twitching of the face muscles also need a call.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a child has a seizure, or a fever followed by a change in mental status or a stiff neck.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can examine the ears, start treatment, and follow your recovery. They can refer you to an ENT doctor if infections keep coming back.
Common questions
Do ear infections go away on their own?
Some do. It can come back later.
Do all ear infections need antibiotics?
No, not every ear infection needs antibiotics. Antibiotics will not help an infection caused by a virus. Severe infections, or those lasting longer than 2 to 3 days, need antibiotics right away.
Can adults get ear infections?
Yes, adults can get ear infections. They are much less common than in children.
Does water in the ear cause an ear infection?
Not usually. Water in the ears will not cause an acute ear infection unless the eardrum has a hole in it. Swimmer's ear is a different infection, in the outer ear canal, and drying your ears well after swimming is advised.
Can ear infections be prevented?
Not every ear infection can be prevented, but you can lower the risk. Steps include washing hands, avoiding smoke, and keeping up with vaccines such as the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine. Not bottle feeding a baby who is lying down also helps.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Ear infection - acute
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Ear Infection Basics
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders - Ear Infections in Children
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
