If your only symptom is an earache, you may want to wait a day or two before seeing a doctor. Sometimes, ear infections resolve on their own within a few days. If the pain isn’t getting better and you’re running a fever, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

If fluid is draining from your ear or you’re having trouble hearing, you should also seek immediate medical attention.

During your appointment, your doctor will get your medical history and symptoms. They’ll also use an otoscope to get a detailed look at your outer ear and your eardrum.

An otoscope is a handheld device with a light and magnifying lens that doctors use to check the health of your ear. A pneumatic otoscope can emit a puff of air in the ear.

When air is pushed against the eardrum, the way the eardrum reacts can help diagnose the problem. If the eardrum moves easily, you may not have a middle ear infection, or it may not be serious.

If it does not move easily, it could mean there’s fluid or pus involved, but not all fluid in the ear means an infection is present.

Another test used to diagnose and evaluate a possible ear infection is called tympanometry. It’s used to evaluate eardrum movement.

A simple hearing test may also be done, especially if it appears that an infection has caused some hearing loss.

The type of ear infection you have will determine the type of treatment. In many cases of middle and outer ear infections, antibiotics are necessary.

Treating middle ear infections

You may be prescribed antibiotics. Some antibiotics may be taken orally. Others can be applied directly to the site of the infection with ear drops. Medications for pain, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to manage your symptoms.

If you’re still experiencing cold or allergy symptoms, you may be advised to take a decongestant, nasal steroids, or an antihistamine.

Another helpful technique is called autoinsufflation. It’s meant to help clear your eustachian tubes. You do this by squeezing your nose, closing your mouth, and gently exhaling. This can send air through the eustachian tubes to help drain them.

Treating outer ear infections

The outer ear should be carefully cleaned. That should be followed by the application of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications on your ear.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if your doctor determines that the infection is bacterial.

If the infection is fungal, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.

If you have a viral infection, you may simply need to tend to the irritation on your ear and wait for the infection to resolve itself. Depending on the type of virus involved, more specialized treatment may be necessary.

To help prevent an ear infection of any kind, follow these tips:

• Make sure you dry your ears completely after swimming or taking a shower.
• Try quitting smoking, and limit or avoid secondhand smoke when possible.
• Manage your allergies by avoiding triggers and keeping up with allergy medications.
• Wash your hands thoroughly, and try to limit contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory problems.
• Make sure your vaccines are up to date.

While ear infections in adults are not as common as they are in children, they can still happen. If you suspect you may have an ear infection, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor.

If an ear infection goes on too long without treatment, it can put an individual at risk of permanent hearing loss and possibly having the infection spread to other parts of the head. However, prompt and proper treatment can usually take care of the infection quickly.