New to Ear Infections? Start Here
Ear Infections: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
Infection of the outer or middle ear.
Key takeaways
- Otitis externa: outer ear; often itchy, painful when the ear is pulled
- Otitis media: middle ear; common in children, usually viral
- Most useful single change: Use pain relief; that is the main treatment for most.
- Commonest mistake: Cotton buds, which strip the protective lining.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
Most settle without antibiotics, and the ones that do not have specific signs worth knowing.
Start here
These two first. Everything else is easier once they are habit.
- Use pain relief; that is the main treatment for most
- Keep the ear dry during an outer ear infection
Then add these
Once the basics are in place, add these.
- Accept a delayed antibiotic prescription where offered
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Otitis externa | outer ear; often itchy, painful when the ear is pulled |
| Otitis media | middle ear; common in children, usually viral |
| Most middle ear infections | settle without antibiotics |
| Swimming and cotton buds | common triggers for outer ear infection |
Common early mistakes
- Cotton buds, which strip the protective lining
- Swimming while an outer ear infection is active
- Pressing for antibiotics for an uncomplicated middle ear infection
Where to go next
- Ear Infections: A Practical Checklist
- Popular Beliefs About Ear Infections, and What Is Actually Published
- Ear Infections — the reference entry
- What the Guidance Really Says About Dizziness and Balance
- Children's Hearing: What Published Guidance Supports
When to speak to a doctor
Seek urgent medical help for swelling, redness or tenderness of the bone behind the ear, facial weakness, severe headache, a stiff neck, high fever, or confusion — these suggest a spreading infection. Seek same-day advice for ear infection in anyone with diabetes or immunosuppression.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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