How do you check for an ear infection?

An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool a doctor needs to diagnose an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge whether there is fluid behind the eardrum. With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum.

How do you get an ear infection to go away?

Duration and Treatment

Many ear infections will resolve on their own and the only needed treatment is medication for discomfort. Roughly 80% of infections will clear up without antibiotics but children under 6 months or patients with severe symptoms generally will require antibiotics.

Do ear infections go away on their own?

Ear infections are less common in grown children and adults, but they can still happen. Ear infections often go away on their own and don’t need medical attention.

How do ear infection start?

Ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, an ear infection begins after a cold or other respiratory infection. The bacteria or virus travel into the middle ear through the eustachian tube (there’s one in each ear). This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat.

Are ear infections serious?

The common ear infection can sometimes lead to hearing problems and, rarely, serious and even life-threatening complications. The common ear infection can sometimes lead to hearing problems and, rarely, serious and even life-threatening complications.

How long can you leave an ear infection untreated?

These infections create pressure in the Eustachian tube that connects the throat to the middle ear. This pressure causes the ear pain. A chronic ear infection can last for 6 weeks or more, but most infections are viral and go away on their own after 3 days without needing to see a doctor.