Ear infection symptoms

Overview

Adult ear infections come in two flavors: otitis media (middle ear, behind the eardrum, often after a cold) and otitis externa (swimmer's ear, outer ear canal). They need different treatments.

Symptoms to watch for

• Ear pain, often deep or throbbing
• Muffled hearing on one side
• Feeling of fullness
• Drainage from the ear
• Fever
• Pain worse when tugging on ear (swimmer's ear)

What else could this be?

• TMJ dysfunction
• Dental pain radiating to ear
• Referred throat pain

How it's diagnosed

Requires visualization of the eardrum with an otoscope — this may need in-person evaluation. A telehealth clinician can triage and prescribe if the picture is clear.

Treatment

Middle ear: amoxicillin or watchful waiting. Swimmer's ear: antibiotic ear drops (ciprofloxacin). Pain relief with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Frequently asked