Ear Infections

Since babies cannot describe pain, watch for tugging or pulling at one ear, unusual fussiness or crying (especially when lying down), trouble sleeping, fever above 100.4°F, fluid draining from the ear, reduced appetite, or seeming not to respond to soft sounds. Symptoms often follow a recent cold or upper respiratory infection by a few days. Not every ear tug means an infection, since babies also explore their ears out of curiosity, but tugging combined with fever, fussiness, or interrupted sleep is a stronger signal. If your baby is under 6 months old and has any signs of an ear infection, contact a doctor the same day.

Take your child to a doctor if symptoms last more than 48 to 72 hours, if pain or fever is severe, if fluid or pus is draining from the ear, or if your child is under 6 months old and has any suspected ear infection. Also seek care if a child of any age develops a stiff neck, is unusually sleepy or unresponsive, or symptoms return shortly after finishing antibiotics. Watchful waiting can be reasonable for otherwise healthy children over age 2 with mild symptoms, but only under a doctor’s guidance. When infections keep coming back, an ENT evaluation can help identify whether ear tubes or another treatment would prevent future episodes.

Ear pain from an infection typically comes with fever, fluid drainage, hearing changes, or pain that worsens when lying down, and often follows a recent cold. Earwax buildup usually causes a plugged or muffled sensation, mild discomfort, and gradual hearing changes without fever. Jaw joint (TMJ) problems tend to cause pain that worsens with chewing or opening the mouth wide, and referred sinus pain often comes with facial pressure and congestion. Only an in-person exam can reliably tell these apart, since the eardrum and ear canal need to be visualized directly. If pain is severe, comes with fever or drainage, or lasts more than a couple of days, schedule an evaluation.

Ear infections themselves are not contagious, but the colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections that often lead to them are highly contagious. This is why ear infections spread through daycares and schools indirectly, when one child’s cold triggers ear infections in several others whose eustachian tubes cannot drain properly during illness. Standard illness precautions like handwashing, covering coughs, staying up to date on flu and pneumococcal vaccines, and keeping sick children home when possible reduce the underlying infections that lead to ear problems. A child with an active ear infection but no fever and feeling well otherwise can usually return to daycare or school once cleared by a doctor.

Most middle ear infections improve within 48 to 72 hours and resolve within 7 to 10 days, with or without antibiotics. Pain and fever typically ease first, while fluid behind the eardrum can linger for weeks after the infection itself has cleared, sometimes causing temporary muffled hearing. Outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear) usually improve within a few days of starting prescription ear drops but require finishing the full course, typically 7 to 10 days, to prevent recurrence. If pain, drainage, or fever persist beyond 3 days of treatment, or if hearing does not return to normal within a few weeks, contact your provider for a recheck.

Yes, adults can develop chronic or recurring ear infections, though it is less common than in children because adult eustachian tubes drain more efficiently. Recurring infections in adults often signal an underlying issue such as chronic sinus problems, allergies, a deviated septum, eustachian tube dysfunction, or in rare cases a growth called a cholesteatoma. Repeated outer ear infections may point to skin conditions, moisture retention, or narrow ear canals. Any adult with three or more ear infections in a year, or a single severe infection that ruptures the eardrum, should see an ENT for a full evaluation to identify the underlying cause and prevent long-term hearing damage..

Flying with an active ear infection is generally not recommended because pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause severe pain and, in rare cases, rupture the eardrum. The infection creates fluid and swelling that block the eustachian tube from equalizing pressure normally. If travel cannot be postponed, ask your doctor before flying about decongestants, nasal sprays, or ear pressure-regulating earplugs, and use techniques like swallowing, yawning, or the Valsalva maneuver (gently exhaling with the nose pinched) during descent. Adults with mild symptoms and no fever can sometimes fly safely with precautions, but children and anyone with a ruptured eardrum should wait for clearance from a provider.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, dosed appropriately for age and weight, are the most effective home options for ear infection pain. A warm compress held against the outside of the ear can also ease discomfort, and elevating the head slightly during sleep may reduce pressure. Do not put anything inside the ear canal, including cotton swabs, oil, or over-the-counter drops, unless directed by a doctor, because ear drops are unsafe if the eardrum has ruptured. Avoid decongestants or antihistamines in children under 6 unless a provider recommends them. If pain is severe, drainage is present, or a fever is high, contact a provider promptly rather than continuing home care alone.

ENT Specialists of Wisconsin treats ear infections in patients of all ages at eight Fox Valley locations, including three offices in Appleton (Grant Street, Meade Street, and Westhill Boulevard) plus offices in De Pere, Neenah, Oshkosh, Shawano, and Waupaca. All locations offer evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care for both middle and outer ear infections. To schedule, call (920) 969-1768 and the team will match you with the earliest available appointment at your preferred location. For urgent or severe symptoms, mention that when you call so scheduling can prioritize accordingly.

Yes, swimming in Wisconsin lakes and rivers is a common cause of swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), especially during summer months. Warm-weather lake water often contains higher levels of bacteria than chlorinated pool water, and prolonged exposure at popular Fox Valley spots like Lake Winnebago, the Fox River, and smaller inland lakes can leave enough moisture in the ear canal for bacteria to grow. Prevention is straightforward: tilt the head to drain each ear after swimming, dry the outer ear gently with a towel, and consider over-the-counter drying drops if you swim frequently. Custom-fitted swim plugs are another option for people prone to repeat infections. If ear pain, itching, or drainage develops after swimming, schedule an evaluation rather than waiting it out.