Otitis Media Flashcards
Otitis media
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Otitis media (middle ear infection)
6-minute read
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Listen
Key facts
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is common, especially in children.
It often starts with a cold, and will usually go away by itself without antibiotics.
It can cause ear pain, reduced hearing and fever. You may see fluid leaking if the ear drum bursts.
If your baby has otitis media, they may be very unsettled, pull on their ears or vomit.
You can try to prevent your child getting otitis media by breastfeeding, keeping them away from cigarette smoke, practising good hygiene and limiting dummy use.
On this page
What is otitis media?
What are the symptoms of otitis media?
What causes otitis media?
When should I (or my child) see a doctor?
How is otitis media diagnosed?
How is otitis media treated?
Why don’t doctors give antibiotics for otitis media just in case?
Can otitis media be prevented?
Complications of otitis media
Related information on Australian websites
What is otitis media?
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. This is the part of your ear just behind the ear drum.
Otitis media is very common in children, but can also affect adults. Most children have at least one middle ear infection before they reach school age. Children usually get fewer middle ear infections as they get older.
What are the symptoms of otitis media?
Otitis media often starts with a cold — you may have a sore throat and a runny nose.
When the infection spreads to the ear, you may notice:
ear pain
fever
trouble hearing
headache
Babies and small children might:
cry a lot at night
pull or rub their ears
be irritable
lose their appetite or vomit
Sometimes, the pressure in the middle ear can cause the ear drum to burst. If it does, the pain may improve straight away and you will see yellow fluid coming from the ear.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes otitis media?
Otitis media can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The middle ear is connected to the throat by a tube called the Eustachian tube. When you have a cold, the infection can spread up this tube from the back of your throat to the middle ear. The infection in the middle ear causes fluid build-up, which puts pressure on the eardrum.
Middle ear infections are common in young children because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and can become infected more easily.
Otitis media occurs in the middle ear when swelling and fluid build-up pressure the eardrum.
When should I (or my child) see a doctor?
You should visit your doctor if you or your child experience:
pain
fluid leaking from the ear
vomiting
fever
trouble hearing
recurrent ear infections
Go to your nearest emergency department if there is redness, pain or swelling of the bone behind the ear or if the ear is pushed forward. This could be a sign of a serious infection called mastoiditis.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is otitis media diagnosed?
Your doctor or a nurse will examine you or your child with an otoscope to check for signs of a middle ear infection. An otoscope is a small instrument that has a magnifying lens and light to help see the eardrum.
If your child has had several ear infections, they may need a hearing test. Your doctor may refer them to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
An adult who has repeated ear infections should see an ENT specialist to make sure there is nothing serious causing the infections.
How is otitis media treated?
Otitis media usually goes away on its own within a week. You or your child may need medicine for pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Check with your pharmacist to ensure you are using the right dose for your child’s age and weight.
Your doctor may suggest anaesthetic ear drops to relieve pain. Don’t use ear drops without first checking with your doctor that it is appropriate.
Antibiotics are generally not recommended for middle ear infections unless there are signs that your child is very unwell, such as fever or vomiting. It’s best to take your child back to the doctor to check their ears again after 1 to 2 days if they are not feeling better.
Children under 2 years of age, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children with certain medical conditions are more likely to have complications from ear infections and are more commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Antihistamines or decongestants won’t help you or your child recover any faster.
Why don’t doctors give antibiotics for otitis media just in case?
Often, otitis media will heal by itself after about 4 days. On average, children who take antibiotics will only experience only about 12 hours less ear pain than children who don’t take antibiotics.
On the other hand, if antibiotics are prescribed, some children will have side effects. Using antibiotics can also cause bacteria to become resistant to them, meaning that the antibiotics might not work in future.
Antibiotics are usually only prescribed if your child is at risk of developing complications. For more information, speak to your doctor or see this decision aid developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Can otitis media be prevented?
Otitis media often comes from a simple cold. It’s hard to prevent colds, but good hygiene can help lower your chance of catching one.
There are some things you can do to lower your child’s risk of otitis media:
Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.
If your child uses a dummy, try to stop them from using it, or only let them use it for short periods.
Breastfeed your baby if you can.
Hold your baby upright when feeding them a bottle and don’t give them a bottle in bed.
Make sure your child gets all their vaccinations.
Complications of otitis media
Glue ear
Sometimes the infection clears up, but sticky fluid stays in the middle ear. This can prevent your child from hearing properly and they may need treatment. See your doctor if your child still can’t hear properly 3 months after a middle ear infection.
Ruptured ear drum
If the eardrum ruptures (bursts or tears), it will usually heal by itself. You should see your doctor after 6 weeks to make sure the tear has healed. It’s important not to get the ear wet while the ear drum is healing.
Mastoiditis
Otitis media can spread to the mastoid bone behind the ear. This is rare but can be very serious. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if there is redness, pain or swelling of the bone behind the ear or if the ear is pushed forward.
Sources:
Royal Children’s Hospital (Ear infections and glue ear), Royal Children’s Hospital (Acute otitis media), Emergency Care Institute NSW (Ear infection), Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics?), Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (Middle ear infection (acute otitis media)), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Choosing Wisely Australia -Recommendations), Royal Children’s Hospital (Viral illnesses), Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (Otitis media with effusion), Northern Health (Glue ear), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (Preventing otitis media)
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: October 2022
Top
Search our site for
EaracheEar infectionsEarMiddle Ear Ventilation
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
General search results
Results for medical professionals
Top results
Middle ear infection and grommets - myDr.com.au
We unpack the most common causes of middle ear infections and the most effective treatments, including how grommets work
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Middle ear infections - Better Health Channel
Middle ear infections often happen during or after a child has a cold.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Middle ear infection: babies, kids & teens | Raising Children Network
Children with middle ear infections usually have pain or discomfort in the ear. If you think your child has a middle ear infection, it’s best to see a GP.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteraisingchildren.net.au
Otitis media in children - myDr.com.au
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common childhood illness causing earache and fever. It usually gets better quickly with pain relievers but sometimes antibiotics are needed.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
How to manage glue ear in children - Hearing Australia
Glue ear, also known as otitis media or middle ear infections, is a condition that affects a number of children
Read more on Hearing Australia websiteHearing Australia
Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics? | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics? Downloads Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics? For more information Decision support tools for specific conditions Publication year 2023 Resource type Guide, user guide or guidelines Topics Antimicrobial resistance, use and stewardship Health conditions, diseases and treatments Partnering with consumers
Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care websiteAustralian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Ear infections - Better Health Channel
It is estimated that around four out of five children will experience a middle ear infection at least once.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Ear problems in children - Better Health Channel
Babies and young children are more likely to develop middle ear infections because they are still building up their immunity.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Ear infections in babies and children
Otitis media and outer ear infections are common in babies and young children. There are ways to manage your child’s discomfort and stop infections.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websitePregnancy, Birth & Baby
Ear problems - myDr.com.au
Common ear problems include otitis media, glue ear, ear wax and swimmer’s ear.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Show more
Check your symptoms Find a health service
Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
1800 022 222
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We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo
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This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited
Otitis media
healthdirect australia logoSign in Menu
HealthdirectFree Australian health advice you can count on.
Search our site
MenuClose
Home
COVID-19
Health topics A-Z
Conditions
Symptoms
Procedures
Life stages
All topics
Medicines
Symptom checker
Service finder
beginning of content
Otitis media (middle ear infection)
6-minute read
Share Save
Listen
Key facts
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is common, especially in children.
It often starts with a cold, and will usually go away by itself without antibiotics.
It can cause ear pain, reduced hearing and fever. You may see fluid leaking if the ear drum bursts.
If your baby has otitis media, they may be very unsettled, pull on their ears or vomit.
You can try to prevent your child getting otitis media by breastfeeding, keeping them away from cigarette smoke, practising good hygiene and limiting dummy use.
On this page
What is otitis media?
What are the symptoms of otitis media?
What causes otitis media?
When should I (or my child) see a doctor?
How is otitis media diagnosed?
How is otitis media treated?
Why don’t doctors give antibiotics for otitis media just in case?
Can otitis media be prevented?
Complications of otitis media
Related information on Australian websites
What is otitis media?
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. This is the part of your ear just behind the ear drum.
Otitis media is very common in children, but can also affect adults. Most children have at least one middle ear infection before they reach school age. Children usually get fewer middle ear infections as they get older.
What are the symptoms of otitis media?
Otitis media often starts with a cold — you may have a sore throat and a runny nose.
When the infection spreads to the ear, you may notice:
ear pain
fever
trouble hearing
headache
Babies and small children might:
cry a lot at night
pull or rub their ears
be irritable
lose their appetite or vomit
Sometimes, the pressure in the middle ear can cause the ear drum to burst. If it does, the pain may improve straight away and you will see yellow fluid coming from the ear.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes otitis media?
Otitis media can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The middle ear is connected to the throat by a tube called the Eustachian tube. When you have a cold, the infection can spread up this tube from the back of your throat to the middle ear. The infection in the middle ear causes fluid build-up, which puts pressure on the eardrum.
Middle ear infections are common in young children because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and can become infected more easily.
Otitis media occurs in the middle ear when swelling and fluid build-up pressure the eardrum.
When should I (or my child) see a doctor?
You should visit your doctor if you or your child experience:
pain
fluid leaking from the ear
vomiting
fever
trouble hearing
recurrent ear infections
Go to your nearest emergency department if there is redness, pain or swelling of the bone behind the ear or if the ear is pushed forward. This could be a sign of a serious infection called mastoiditis.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is otitis media diagnosed?
Your doctor or a nurse will examine you or your child with an otoscope to check for signs of a middle ear infection. An otoscope is a small instrument that has a magnifying lens and light to help see the eardrum.
If your child has had several ear infections, they may need a hearing test. Your doctor may refer them to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
An adult who has repeated ear infections should see an ENT specialist to make sure there is nothing serious causing the infections.
How is otitis media treated?
Otitis media usually goes away on its own within a week. You or your child may need medicine for pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Check with your pharmacist to ensure you are using the right dose for your child’s age and weight.
Your doctor may suggest anaesthetic ear drops to relieve pain. Don’t use ear drops without first checking with your doctor that it is appropriate.
Antibiotics are generally not recommended for middle ear infections unless there are signs that your child is very unwell, such as fever or vomiting. It’s best to take your child back to the doctor to check their ears again after 1 to 2 days if they are not feeling better.
Children under 2 years of age, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children with certain medical conditions are more likely to have complications from ear infections and are more commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Antihistamines or decongestants won’t help you or your child recover any faster.
Why don’t doctors give antibiotics for otitis media just in case?
Often, otitis media will heal by itself after about 4 days. On average, children who take antibiotics will only experience only about 12 hours less ear pain than children who don’t take antibiotics.
On the other hand, if antibiotics are prescribed, some children will have side effects. Using antibiotics can also cause bacteria to become resistant to them, meaning that the antibiotics might not work in future.
Antibiotics are usually only prescribed if your child is at risk of developing complications. For more information, speak to your doctor or see this decision aid developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Can otitis media be prevented?
Otitis media often comes from a simple cold. It’s hard to prevent colds, but good hygiene can help lower your chance of catching one.
There are some things you can do to lower your child’s risk of otitis media:
Keep your child away from cigarette smoke.
If your child uses a dummy, try to stop them from using it, or only let them use it for short periods.
Breastfeed your baby if you can.
Hold your baby upright when feeding them a bottle and don’t give them a bottle in bed.
Make sure your child gets all their vaccinations.
Complications of otitis media
Glue ear
Sometimes the infection clears up, but sticky fluid stays in the middle ear. This can prevent your child from hearing properly and they may need treatment. See your doctor if your child still can’t hear properly 3 months after a middle ear infection.
Ruptured ear drum
If the eardrum ruptures (bursts or tears), it will usually heal by itself. You should see your doctor after 6 weeks to make sure the tear has healed. It’s important not to get the ear wet while the ear drum is healing.
Mastoiditis
Otitis media can spread to the mastoid bone behind the ear. This is rare but can be very serious. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if there is redness, pain or swelling of the bone behind the ear or if the ear is pushed forward.
Sources:
Royal Children’s Hospital (Ear infections and glue ear), Royal Children’s Hospital (Acute otitis media), Emergency Care Institute NSW (Ear infection), Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics?), Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (Middle ear infection (acute otitis media)), The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Choosing Wisely Australia -Recommendations), Royal Children’s Hospital (Viral illnesses), Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (Otitis media with effusion), Northern Health (Glue ear), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (Preventing otitis media)
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: October 2022
Top
Search our site for
EaracheEar infectionsEarMiddle Ear Ventilation
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
General search results
Results for medical professionals
Top results
Middle ear infection and grommets - myDr.com.au
We unpack the most common causes of middle ear infections and the most effective treatments, including how grommets work
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Middle ear infections - Better Health Channel
Middle ear infections often happen during or after a child has a cold.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Middle ear infection: babies, kids & teens | Raising Children Network
Children with middle ear infections usually have pain or discomfort in the ear. If you think your child has a middle ear infection, it’s best to see a GP.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au websiteraisingchildren.net.au
Otitis media in children - myDr.com.au
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common childhood illness causing earache and fever. It usually gets better quickly with pain relievers but sometimes antibiotics are needed.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
How to manage glue ear in children - Hearing Australia
Glue ear, also known as otitis media or middle ear infections, is a condition that affects a number of children
Read more on Hearing Australia websiteHearing Australia
Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics? | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics? Downloads Middle ear infection: should my child take antibiotics? For more information Decision support tools for specific conditions Publication year 2023 Resource type Guide, user guide or guidelines Topics Antimicrobial resistance, use and stewardship Health conditions, diseases and treatments Partnering with consumers
Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care websiteAustralian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Ear infections - Better Health Channel
It is estimated that around four out of five children will experience a middle ear infection at least once.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Ear problems in children - Better Health Channel
Babies and young children are more likely to develop middle ear infections because they are still building up their immunity.
Read more on Better Health Channel websiteBetter Health Channel
Ear infections in babies and children
Otitis media and outer ear infections are common in babies and young children. There are ways to manage your child’s discomfort and stop infections.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby websitePregnancy, Birth & Baby
Ear problems - myDr.com.au
Common ear problems include otitis media, glue ear, ear wax and swimmer’s ear.
Read more on MyDoctor websiteMyDoctor
Show more
Check your symptoms Find a health service
Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
1800 022 222
Government Accredited with over 140 information partnersHealthdirect logo
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo
About
How we can help
Our mobile app
Linking to us
Information partners
Register your service
Terms of use
Privacy
Contact us
About us
Discover
Blog
BMI calculator
Health apps
Medicines
Service finder
Symptom checker
Question builder
Risk Checker
Resources in your language
Arabic عربى
বাংলা Bengali
简体中文 Chinese Simplified
繁體中文 Chinese Traditional
Tiếng Việt Vietnamese
download from the App store download from google play
healthdirect’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.
© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited
