HealthInfo Canterbury
Middle-ear infections (otitis media)
Pokenga ā-taring o waenga
Middle-ear infections happen when a virus or bacteria gets into the space behind your eardrum. This makes fluid build up, causing pain.
Middle-ear infection is also called otitis media.
Most middle-ear infections will get better after 2 to 3 days without needing any treatment.
They are much more common in tamariki (children), especially those younger than 5.
In some tamariki, the infection does not clear up, leading to glue ear.
Symptoms of middle-ear infections
Pain is the most common symptom of a middle ear infection. Another common symptom is fever.
Tamariki might have trouble eating, drinking or sleeping because they get more pain in their ear.
Sometimes fluid comes out of the ear. This happens when pressure from fluid behind the eardrum causes a hole in the eardrum. Fluid behind the eardrum can cause hearing loss.
Diagnosing middle-ear infections
Your doctor will look inside the ear with a special light called an otoscope.
Treating middle ear infections
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help if there is pain or fever. Always make sure you are giving your tamaiti (child) the correct amount of pain medicine.
You will not usually need antibiotics. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections and most infections will get better anyway within 2 or 3 days.
Your tamaiti might need antibiotics if:
- they are younger than 2
- they have fever, severe pain or fluid coming out of their ear
- they do not get better after 2 days.
If your tamaiti has lots of ear infections (more than 6 in a year) or gets glue ear, they may need to see an otolaryngologist to see if they need ventilation tubes (grommets). Otolaryngologists used to be called ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.
Self-care with middle-ear infections
Rest and take pain relief as needed.
See your general practice team if:
- you or your tamaiti are not getting better after 2 days especially if there is an ongoing fever
- you think your tamaiti is having hearing problems or delay in speech due to ear problems.
You can reduce the chance of your tamaiti getting ear infections by:
- Breastfeeding your pēpi (baby) for at least 6 months if possible. If you feed your pēpi from a bottle, hold them at an angle instead of lying them down with the bottle.
- Keeping them away from second-hand smoke.
- Keeping up to date with immunisations.
- Washing your hands and those of your tamariki well and often. This helps stop the spread of germs that cause colds and ear infections.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- KidsHealth – Ear infections (detailed)
This page explains the anatomy of the ear, how ear infections develop, what you can do to help prevent them, signs and symptoms, treatment and more.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2023.
On the next page: Glue ear
Sources
Review key: HIEIG-48027
