

Middle ear infections ( otitis media) usually go away on their own within a week. How are ear infections treated? Middle ear infections This could be a sign of a serious infection called mastoiditis.įIND A HEALTH SERVICE - The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. Go to your nearest emergency department if there is redness, pain or swelling of the bone behind the ear or if the ear is pushed forward.

your child gets repeated ear infections.you or your child is unwell or vomiting or has a fever.there is discharge from your or your child's ear.When should I (or my child) see a doctor? not respond to noises that would normally attract their attentionĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.have a high temperature (38☌ or above).discharge (fluid leaking) from your ear.ears feeling plugged or full, sometimes with ringing or buzzing.Symptoms depend on which part of your ear is infected and can include: Outer ear infections can also result from damage to the ear canal, such as by using cotton buds. For this reason it is also called swimmer’s ear. It is often caused by water remaining in the ear canal, such as after swimming. The outer ear, or ear canal, can also become infected. Middle ear infections are especially common in babies and children because their Eustachian tubes are small. When you have a cold, the infection can spread up this tube to the middle ear. The middle ear is the part of the ear just behind the ear drum, connected to the throat by a short tube known as the Eustachian tube. Ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Two common types are middle ear infections ( otitis media) and outer ear infections ( otitis externa). There are several different types of ear infection, depending on which part of the ear is infected. Children usually get fewer ear infections as they get older. Most children have at least one ear infection before they reach school age. Related information on Australian websitesĮar infections are common, especially in children.What can I do to prevent ear infections?.Can an ear infection cause any other problems?.Why don’t doctors give antibiotics for middle ear infections just in case?.When should I (or my child) see a doctor?.Go to your nearest emergency department if there is pain, swelling or redness of the bone behind the ear.See your doctor if you or your child has ear pain or discharge, reduced hearing, fever or vomiting.

