Ear and hearing
Ear infections
Ear infections can affect the ear canal or the space behind the eardrum. Both can cause pain and muffled hearing, but they often need different treatment.
ENT care in Bandra, MumbaiAbout Dr Adip Shetty
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Two common types
An outer-ear infection affects the ear canal and may hurt when you touch the ear. Water, scratching and skin irritation can contribute. A middle-ear infection is behind the eardrum, often after a cold, and is especially common in children.
What happens at the appointment?
The doctor looks inside the ear. Gentle cleaning may be needed to see the eardrum or let drops reach the canal. Hearing that stays reduced after the infection settles may need a hearing test.
How are ear infections treated?
Pain relief can help while the cause is treated. Outer-ear infections often need prescribed drops. Many middle-ear infections improve without antibiotics; tablets are used when symptoms, age or other health problems make them appropriate.
What to do at home
Keep the affected ear dry. Avoid swimming and putting cotton buds or other objects inside it. Do not use leftover drops: some are unsuitable when there is a hole in the eardrum.
When to seek urgent care
Get same-day help for swelling around or behind the ear, high fever, worsening pain, new hearing loss or a very unwell child. Severe ear pain in someone with diabetes or a weakened immune system needs prompt attention.
A note on your care
“An ear that keeps hurting or discharging deserves a fresh look. Bring any previous prescriptions so we can understand what helped and what keeps returning.”
A little more clarity
Common questions
Does every ear infection need antibiotics?
No. The location and severity matter. An examination helps avoid unnecessary medicine and choose safe drops when needed.
Why does my ear still feel blocked?
Fluid can remain after a middle-ear infection. Arrange a review if hearing does not recover or discharge continues.
Can I swim while my ear is infected?
Avoid swimming until the infection settles and you have advice about returning. Keeping water out is especially important with canal infections or an eardrum hole.
What if the same ear keeps discharging?
Arrange an ENT review. Repeated discharge may need cleaning, a check for an eardrum hole or other disease, and hearing assessment.
Sources and review
Updated . General information to help you prepare for a consultation.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Adip Shetty on .