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What are the symptoms?

Earache and dulled hearing may develop for a few days, and you might have a high temperature. Your eardrum might burst (perforate). This lets out infected mucus, and can leak out of the ear for a few days. As the pain is due to a pressurised eardrum, if the eardrum bursts, the pain often settles. A perforated eardrum usually heals quickly after the infection clears. It is important that during the next 6 weeks the ear canal is kept dry during the healing process. Once the infection and perforation has cleared, your hearing should return to normal.

What is the treatment for otitis media?

Most ear infections will clear on their own within three days. The immune system can usually clear bacteria or viruses causing ear infections

It is important that you follow the following advice:

Do:

Don’t:

Help with pain management

Simple analgesics can be used after infection, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:

You may have been prescribed an alternative pain killer, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.

Further advice

If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your ear infection you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP. If your concern is an emergency, attend your local Emergency Department.