Ear pain (that may stop suddenly)[2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Discharge or bleeding from the ear[3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Hearing loss[4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Ringing or buzzing in the ear[5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Nausea or vomiting[6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Dizziness, wobbliness, or vertigo[7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Seek emergency care if you experience excessive bleeding or total hearing loss, are in extreme pain, are abnormally dizzy, or have something stuck in your ear[8] X Research source
Fluid from a middle ear infection breaking the eardrum (this is more common in children, but can happen at any age) Small and/or blunt objects being inserted into the ear Rapid shifts in air pressure (for example, being on a plane) Exposure to extremely loud sounds, like explosions or concerts Injury to the ear, head, or neck
The symptoms you’re experiencing What happened leading up to the symptoms If you’ve had problems with your ears in the past, like recurring ear infections Whether you were sick If anything has been in your ear Anything you did to treat it
Your doctor might have to clear out your ears to examine them, depending on whether there’s drainage. [13] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Your doctor might apply a patch to the eardrum to close the hole. This can sometimes be done in the doctor’s office and doesn’t require anesthesia, though it might take several patches to fully repair the damage. If surgery is required, it will be performed while you’re under anesthesia. Most people can leave the hospital the same day. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you had to have surgery on your ear, ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to school or work. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Be sure to take all the antibiotics as prescribed. Stopping the medication too early can cause the infection to come back. [19] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source Only use eardrops if your doctor prescribes them, as fluid in the ear can slow down the healing process. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Make sure the packs or compress is warm, not hot. You don’t want to burn yourself. Avoid sleeping with your ear or face up against an electric heating pad, as this can result in burns.
Only take one type of pain reliever at once. Don’t combine them if your doctor hasn’t recommended it. [23] X Research source Don’t take more than the maximum recommended amount. If you have taken the maximum amount and are still in pain, see your doctor.
Some back sleepers recommend using extra pillows to raise the height of your infected ear. While there isn’t clear evidence to back this up, it doesn’t hurt to try it. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Before you bathe, apply petroleum jelly to a cotton ball and put it in your ear to block water. If possible, take baths rather than showers—the water is less likely to accidentally trickle into your ears. Be gentle when washing your hair so nothing enters your ear. Don’t go swimming or scuba diving until your doctor says it’s okay.
Over-the-ear headphones are technically safe. However, exposing your ears to loud noise can cause pain and permanent hearing damage. Skip the headphones where possible, and if they’re truly necessary, keep the volume low. Do not attempt to clean your ears. If they feel plugged or are draining excessively, contact your doctor.
You notice signs of infection, like warmth, redness, pus, drainage, or a newly-developed fever[30] X Research source You feel a lot of pain or dizziness[31] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Your hearing isn’t improving, gets worse, or otherwise changes[32] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source You’re still experiencing signs of eardrum rupture after 2 months[33] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
