In many cases, ear infections clear on their own over a period of time, often within 24 to 48 hours, without the need for prescription medications. Patients often are encouraged to simply monitor their infection and to watch for and note any worsening of their condition – an approach known as “watchful waiting.”

While waiting for the body to heal, patients can take several steps to relieve discomfort. These may include applying a warm cloth or warm water bottle to the ear and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve symptoms of discomfort.

In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to treat a patient’s ear infection. Antibiotics (pills or ear drops) are used to fight infections that are bacterial in nature, while corticosteroids can help reduce itching and inflammation. Sometimes, when the ear canal is inflamed or swollen, a cotton wick is placed in the ear to allow ear drops to travel to the end of the canal. Increasingly, bacteria are becoming resistant to many common antibiotics. This means that a patient may have to try more than one type of antibiotic before finding one that is effective. Patients with allergies may also be given medications to ease or prevent allergy symptoms in some cases. This may help prevent or reduce the swelling of the eustachian tubes, allowing fluid to drain from the middle ear.

Patients often are urged to keep the ears clean and dry during treatment. This may include preventing water from entering the ears during showering, shampooing and bathing. Patients may also want to avoid any situation that puts added pressure on the ear, which can increase pain associated with ear infections. Situations to be avoided include air travel and scuba diving.