Otitis media (middle ear infection)

• Pain or discomfort
• Reduced hearing
• Discharge (sometimes associated with a perforation)
• High temperature (fever) above 38°C
• Perforation (a hole in the eardrum). Please also see eardrum perforation information. 

• After examining your ear, the specialist nurse can advise you on what the most appropriate treatment options for your infection would be. 
• Generally, most middle ear infections get better on their own and do not need antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics rarely speed up recovery and often cause side effects and can antibiotic resistance (reduce how well your body reacts to antibiotics). 
• You may need antibiotics if the infection is severe or does not improve, or worsens after 2 to 3 days.
• If there is a discharge present, the ear canal with be cleaned to clear any discharge or debris and we will recommend a course of antibiotic ear drops on prescription. 
• Over the counter pain medication if required.

It is not possible to prevent otitis media. However, you can reduce the risk of developing an infection by:

• avoiding smoky environments
• keeping your ear canals dry when swimming, washing your hair or showering by using cotton wool at the entrance of your ear canal and smearing the cotton wool with petroleum jelly to create a waterproof seal. This is particularly important if you have a hole in your eardrum (perforation).

Urgent help

You need urgent help if you have any of the following symptoms:

• extreme, unmanageable pain
• pain, tenderness, swelling or redness to your mastoid bone area (the bone located behind your ear)

Go to your nearest Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (previously known as Accident and Emergency) or call 999.

Contact a doctor or nurse today

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today if you have any of the following symptoms:

• you feel generally unwell for example; you have a high temperature or fever
• you feel your infection/symptoms have not improved or they have worsened
• you are experiencing pain which is not managed with regular pain medication

You can contact our service Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays) on 01709 423207 or 01709 423145.

Outside of these hours, or alternatively, please contact your GP surgery or NHS 111.

If you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms

You should:

• continue with your treatment as prescribed or instructed
• take regular pain medication if required
• attend your review appointment
• follow the advice given by your healthcare team

If you become concerned or need advice please contact the Ear care and Audiology Service, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays) on 01709 423207 or 01709 423145.

Outside of these hours, or alternatively, please contact your GP surgery or NHS 111.