Otitis (Ear Infection)
Ear infections — whether affecting the outer ear canal (otitis externa) or the middle ear (otitis media) — cause pain, discharge, and temporary hearing loss. They are common in both adults and children, particularly after swimming or upper respiratory infections. Most cases respond well to appropriate treatment and resolve without complications.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Types of ear infection
- Otitis externa (swimmer's ear) — infection of the outer ear canal, causing pain, itching, and discharge; very common in warm climates and after swimming
- Acute otitis media — middle ear infection common in children but also affecting adults, usually following a cold; causes ear pain, fever, and temporary hearing loss
- Otitis media with effusion (glue ear) — fluid in the middle ear without acute infection; more common in children, causing muffled hearing
- Chronic suppurative otitis media — persistent middle ear infection with a perforated eardrum, causing ongoing discharge and hearing loss
Symptoms
- Ear pain — ranging from mild discomfort to severe aching
- Discharge from the ear canal
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Itching in the ear canal (particularly in otitis externa)
- Fever — more common with middle ear infections
- Tinnitus — ringing or buzzing in the affected ear
Causes
- Bacterial infection — most common cause of both outer and middle ear infections
- Viral infection — many middle ear infections follow a viral cold or respiratory illness
- Water exposure — prolonged moisture in the ear canal promotes bacterial overgrowth
- Use of cotton buds — damages the ear canal lining and pushes wax deeper
- Eustachian tube dysfunction — impaired drainage from the middle ear, often following a cold or allergy
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if ear pain is severe, if there is discharge from the ear, if hearing is significantly reduced, or if symptoms are not improving after 2–3 days. Children with ear infections should be assessed promptly. Any suspicion of a perforated eardrum requires medical assessment before using ear drops.
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Treatment options
- Antibiotic ear drops — first-line treatment for otitis externa
- Oral antibiotics — for middle ear infections or severe outer ear infections
- Pain relief — paracetamol or ibuprofen for ear pain and fever
- Aural toilet — professional cleaning of the ear canal for severe otitis externa
- Watchful waiting — many mild middle ear infections in adults resolve without antibiotics within 72 hours
- Grommets — surgical insertion of ventilation tubes for recurrent middle ear infections or persistent glue ear
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors assess ear infection symptoms, prescribe appropriate ear drops or oral antibiotics, and advise on prevention. Online consultation is particularly convenient for ear infections — you can get a prescription without having to travel when in pain. We also manage recurrent ear infections and provide referrals to ENT where needed.
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