Treatment Options: Non-Surgical

Non-surgical treatment of earaches generally involves medications prescribed by your doctor. Staying on your treatment plan for as long as the doctor has indicated (most treatments last 7 to 10 days) assures that the infection is completely eliminated. Just because an earache goes away while you are on a medication, does not mean that the infection has cleared up. Some infections take time to clear up. This is why your doctor provides very specific directions on how long to keep taking your medication.

Antibiotics

These are prescribed to fight an infection by killing the bacteria causing it. There are a variety of antibiotics that can be used and your doctor will ask if you are allergic to any of them. To reduce swelling, some may contain a steroid. Antibiotics take time to work so be sure to follow your doctor’s directions faithfully. These are generally administered as eardrops and severe cases can require an oral antibiotic.

Antihistimines

These medications are used when your doctor suspects that part or all of your condition is caused by an allergy or allergic reaction. They help to prevent or relieve allergy symptoms by preventing the body from reacting to what is causing the allergic reaction.

Decongestants

These are used to relieve nasal congestion (especially with a cold) that can cause pressure or fluid build-up in the ear. These can be in the form of sprays, syrups, pills or capsules.

Analgesic Eardrops

Sometimes a doctor may recommend a medication to reduce fever and/or pain. Analgesic eardrops can ease the pain of an earache. Occasionally when pain is intense, a stronger pain medication may be administered orally.

Removal of Inner Ear Fluids

In some cases when drainage in the inner ear builds up, infections will not clear up until it is removed. Using special equipment, your doctor will remove the build-up.