Ear Infections: A Practical Guide

Ear infections are common — especially in children — but they can affect adults too. Most people remember the pain, pressure, or muffled hearing, but fewer understand what’s actually happening inside the ear when an infection develops.

This guide explains:

• the different types of ear infections
• common symptoms (and red flags)
• what treatments actually work
• and when to see a doctor

It’s written to help you understand your symptoms — not panic.

What Is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection happens when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation in part of the ear. Most infections affect the middle ear, the small air-filled space behind the eardrum.

Normally, this space stays dry and ventilated. When you have a cold, flu, or allergies, the drainage tube (the Eustachian tube) can swell and block up. Fluid then builds up behind the eardrum, creating pressure, pain, and sometimes fever. It can feel similar to squeezing air into a balloon that can’t deflate.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Here’s how you might feel if you have an ear infection:

• Ear pain: It can be mild or sharp and throbbing.
• Difficulty hearing: Everything sounds muffled or far away like your ear is plugged.
• Fluid draining from the ear: Sometimes, a yellow or clear fluid can leak out – or, more rarely, blood.
• Fever: Your body might try to fight off the infection with a fever.
• Trouble sleeping: Lying down can make the pressure in your ear feel worse.

Common Types of Ear Infections

There are several different types of ear infections, depending on where the infection happens. Think of your ear like a little tunnel system with different parts that help you hear. There’s the outer ear, which is the part you can see. Then there’s the middle ear, which is the space behind the eardrum. Finally, there’s the inner ear, which is deep inside.

1. Outer Ear Infections (Swimmer’s Ear): Called “Swimmer’s Ear” because it often happens after swimming, when water gets trapped in the ear canal and germs grow. Your ear might feel itchy, red and painful.
2. Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media): This is the most common type, especially in younger kids. Germs can get into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube—a small tube that connects your ear to your throat. When this tube gets blocked (by mucus or allergies for example) germs can build up causing infection and fluid buildup.
3. Inner Ear Infections: These are rarer but can affect your balance because the inner ear helps with that. You might feel dizzy or like the room is spinning.

How Do Ear Infections Happen?

Bacteria or viruses cause ear infections. The eustachian tube, which normally lets fluid drain from your ear, can get swollen or blocked by mucus when you’re sick. This gives germs the perfect place to multiply and cause an infection. Kids are more likely to get ear infections because their eustachian tubes are smaller and more easily blocked than adults’.

Are Ear Infections Contagious?

Ear infections themselves are not contagious; however the viruses or bacteria that can cause them may be. When someone has a cold or flu, which can lead to an ear infection, they may spread the illness through respiratory droplets when they cough or sneeze. This can cause others to develop similar infections or colds, which can then increase their risk of getting an ear infection. Practising good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent the spread of these germs.

Treatment for Ear Infections

Most ear infections clear up on their own but sometimes you need help to feel better. Here’s what I usually recommend:

Ann’s Top Tips

• Pain Meds: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and fever.
• Antibiotics: If the infection is caused by bacteria (not a virus), a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. But remember, antibiotics won’t help if it is a viral infection.
• Warm compresses: Holding a warm cloth against your ear can help with the pain.
• Rest: Let your body heal.

If the infection doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, your doctor may discuss other options. Ear tubes are tiny tubes that help drain fluid and prevent future infections.

Does Cefdinir Treat Ear Infections?

Yes, cefdinir is an antibiotic used to treat ear infections. It is particularly used to treat acute otitis media, an infection of the middle ear. Cefdinir may be a good option for patients who are allergic to penicillin or have not responded to other antibiotics – your doctor will decide dependents on your medical history and allergies..

Ear Drops

Ear drops are used to treat various ear conditions, including infections and inflammation. They may contain antibiotics, steroids or analgesics to help with pain and inflammation. When treating an ear infection ear drops can deliver medication directly to the affected area and help with discomfort and infection. But use ear drops only as directed by a healthcare professional as improper use can sometimes make the condition worse or cause complications.

Does Cefdinir Treat Ear Infections?

Yes. Cefdinir is an antibiotic sometimes used for middle ear infections, especially in people who are allergic to penicillin or haven’t responded to first-line treatment. The choice depends on your medical history and local resistance patterns.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is usually the first-choice antibiotic for uncomplicated middle ear infections. It’s effective, well-tolerated, and widely used. Your doctor may choose alternatives if resistance or allergy is a concern.

Myringotomy

Myringotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to relieve pressure or drain fluid from the middle ear. In many cases, a small tube (tympanostomy tube) is placed in the incision to keep the opening agape and allow for continued drainage. These tubes usually stay in place for several months before falling out on their own or may be removed by a doctor.

This is often done to patients especially children who have recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid behind the eardrum.

How to Prevent Ear Infections

You can’t always avoid ear infections, but here are a few things you can do to lower your chances of getting one:

1. Wash your hands: it’s the first step in preventing colds leading to ear infections.
2. Stay current on vaccines: vaccinations like the flu shot can help protect you from illnesses that can lead to ear infections.
3. Avoid second-hand smoke: cigarette smoke can irritate the Eustachian tubes and make you more likely to get an ear infection.
4. Dry your ears after swimming: this helps avoid trapped water that can lead to the swimmer’s ear.

When To See a Doctor

If your ear infection lasts more than a few days, your ear pain gets worse, or you see fluid coming out of your ear, it’s time to see a doctor. They can diagnose what’s going on and start you on the right treatment.

Ear Infections in Babies

Ear infections are common in babies and young children because of their smaller and more horizontal Eustachian tubes, which can easily get blocked. This blockage can trap fluid in the middle ear and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Babies may show signs of ear infection through irritability, difficulty sleeping, tugging at their ears and sometimes fever. Since they can’t always communicate their discomfort, parents should be vigilant for these symptoms and see a doctor – if they suspect an ear infection, as earrly treatment is important to prevent complications.

How Long Do Ear Infections Last Untreated?

If left untreated, an ear infection can last from a few days to several weeks. Symptoms can vary in severity; some people may have persistent pain and discomfort, while others may have symptoms that improve and then come back. Many ear infections resolve independently, especially viral infections, but bacterial infections can lead to complications if not treated. Persistent ear infections can cause hearing loss and other issues, so if symptoms last more than a couple of days, see a doctor.

Chronic Ear Infections

Chronic otitis media is defined as recurrent infections that last more than three months or occur frequently over a year. It is often caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, which prevents proper drainage of the middle ear. Symptoms may include hearing loss, persistent fluid in the ear, and discomfort. Chronic ear infections require management and may require myringotomy or ear tubes to facilitate drainage and reduce the frequency of infections.

Patient Story: Alex

Alex is a 15-year-old high school student who loves to swim and recently had a mild cold. For a few days, Alex had increasing discomfort in his right ear, which started as a dull ache but worsened to sharp, throbbing pain. He also had trouble hearing out of that ear and described it as “plugged”. On the third day, his mom noticed a slight fever (101°F), and Alex said he was more tired than usual. That’s when they decided to stop by to see me.

Consultation

When I asked Alex about his symptoms, he said the pain was making it hard for him to concentrate in school, especially during lessons where he had to listen closely. I examined his ear using an otoscope (a small lighted tool used to look inside the ear) and saw redness and swelling in the middle ear and some fluid buildup.

I told Alex he had acute otitis media, a common middle ear infection, probably caused by the recent cold. The cold virus probably blocked his Eustachian tube, causing fluid to build up and leading to the infection.

Treatment Plan

I recommended:

• Pain relief: Over the counter ibuprofen to reduce pain and reduce the fever.
• Antibiotics: Since the infection was probably bacterial and causing significant discomfort, I prescribed a 5 day course of antibiotics.
• Rest: I told him to rest and stay hydrated.

I told him the infection should improve within 48-72 hours after starting antibiotics, but if his symptoms worsened or didn’t improve, he should come back to see me.

Outcome

Within a few days of starting the antibiotics, Alex’s ear pain went away. His hearing improved, and his fever disappeared. By the end of the week, Alex was feeling much better and could go back to school. I told him to avoid swimming for a couple of weeks to ensure full recovery and prevent relapse.

Can AirPods cause ear infections?

Can AirPods Cause Ear Infections?

AirPods don’t directly cause ear infections, but they can increase risk by:

• trapping moisture and heat
• pushing earwax deeper into the canal
• irritating the ear canal skin
• transferring bacteria if not cleaned regularly

Practical tips:

• Clean earbuds regularly
• Avoid sharing
• Take breaks
• Stop use if your ear feels sore or itchy

Sinus Infections and Ear Infections

Sinus infections or sinusitis can be related to ear infections because of the interconnectedness of the upper respiratory system. When the sinuses become inflamed or infected the swelling can block the Eustachian tubes which connect the sinuses to the middle ear. This blockage can trap fluid in the middle ear and create an environment for bacteria to grow and cause an ear infection. So treating sinus infections early is key to preventing secondary ear infections.

Conclusion

Ear infections are uncomfortable, but most are treatable and temporary. Understanding the symptoms — and knowing when to seek help — makes a big difference.

If pain is severe, symptoms persist, or hearing worsens, it’s always worth getting checked. Your ears usually recover well with the right care and a bit of patience.

References

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Ear Infections in Children. Available here.
• National Library of Medicine. Acute Otitis Media. Available here.
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ear Infection Basics. Available here.