The goals of treatment are to eliminate the infection and prevent hearing loss and other complications.

Antibiotics are generally used to treat ear infections in children under two, but these medications only work against bacterial infections. If the infection is caused by a virus, the antibiotics will not be effective. Unfortunately there is no certain way to tell if an ear infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. Many experts now feel that the risk of antibiotic treatment is greater than its benefit for the majority of children over age two with an ear infection. In these children symptoms of infection will often subside just as quickly without an antibiotic. A pain reliever is frequently all that older children need to recover fully from ear infection. If symptoms continue for more than a few days or worsen then an antibiotic can be prescribed. Some doctors will even give parents a prescription for antibiotics but instruct them not to use the antibiotic unless pain or fever persists beyond an agreed-upon number of days.

When an antibiotic is prescribed, it is important that you follow the dosage recommendations carefully. Failure to finish the medicine can make the medication less effective in the future. Sometimes the antibiotic initially prescribed does not clear the infection, and another medicine may be recommended. Be sure to go to a follow-up visit with your health care provider to determine whether the infection is resolved or requires further treatment.

Treatment involves the following:

• Medications
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery
• Alternative and complementary therapies

Sources:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)