Ear Infection Treatment SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, causing pain, hearing difficulties, and recurrent discomfort.
At SoCal ENT, our specialists provide comprehensive, expert care for children and adults experiencing acute or chronic ear infections. Whether your child suffers from frequent ear infections or you're dealing with persistent ear pain, we offer advanced treatment options to prevent complications and restore ear health.
An ear infection (otitis media) occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential hearing loss. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum and connects to the back of the nose through the eustachian tubes. These tubes help drain fluid and equalize pressure, but when they become blocked due to infection, allergies, or sinus issues, fluid can accumulate, creating an environment for bacteria or viruses to grow.
Ear infections can be classified into:
Children are more prone to ear infections due to narrower eustachian tubes, making it harder to drain fluid effectively.
Several factors contribute to ear infections, including:
Viral and bacterial infections can spread to the middle ear.
Inflammation from allergies can block eustachian tubes.
Swollen adenoids can trap bacteria, leading to frequent infections.
In children, smaller tubes are more prone to blockages.
Increases inflammation and infection risk.
Feeding while lying down can allow fluid to enter the eustachian tubes.
Ear infections can cause mild to severe discomfort, and symptoms may vary based on age.
Common Symptoms in Children:
Common Symptoms in Adults:
If symptoms persist for more than a few days, seeking medical evaluation is important to prevent complications like hearing loss or eardrum damage.
Balloon Sinuplasty addresses blocked sinus passageways, clearing the sinus cavities, specifically the maxillary, frontal, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses.
For bacterial ear infections, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate the infection and reduce symptoms. Pain relief options, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or ear drops, may also be recommended.
For children or adults experiencing chronic ear infections or persistent fluid buildup, ear tube placement can provide long-term relief.
For children with frequent ear infections due to enlarged adenoids, adenoid removal can help reduce infection rates by preventing bacteria buildup.
A treatment option for adults and older children with persistent ear pressure and drainage issues, eustachian tube dilation opens up the blocked passageway, improving drainage and preventing infections.
Managing underlying conditions like allergies and chronic sinus issues can help reduce ear infections caused by inflammation and fluid buildup. Treatment may include:
You or your child may need specialized ear infection treatment if:
At SoCal ENT, we personalize treatment plans based on age, infection history, and underlying causes to ensure long-term relief.
Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and lasting ear health.
Bacterial infections often cause severe pain, fever, and fluid drainage, while viral infections may resolve on their own within a few days. A medical evaluation can determine the cause.
The infection itself isn’t contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause ear infections can spread, leading to colds or sinus infections that may contribute to ear problems.
While most ear infections resolve without lasting effects, untreated chronic infections can lead to hearing loss or damage to the eardrum.
Many children outgrow frequent ear infections as their eustachian tubes develop, but some may need medical intervention if infections persist.
Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, allergens, and colds, along with breastfeeding or proper bottle-feeding positions, can help prevent infections.
