Does antibiotic treatment help with earache?

Earache can come from a middle-ear infection, an outer-ear infection, pressure after a cold or flight, wax, jaw problems or pain referred from the throat. Some infections are viral or settle as inflammation improves, while others need prescribed treatment. Examination helps distinguish these causes and checks the eardrum. Ear drops and oral antibiotics are not interchangeable, so use only the product recommended for the affected part of the ear.

Use suitable pain relief according to the label and your health circumstances, keep the ear dry if advised, and avoid cotton buds or inserting objects. Do not use old ear drops, particularly if you have discharge, tubes or a possible eardrum problem, unless a clinician has recommended them. Arrange assessment if pain persists, hearing changes, or symptoms follow an injury or water exposure.

Seek urgent care for swelling behind the ear, severe dizziness, facial weakness, a serious injury, sudden hearing loss or severe illness. Prompt assessment is needed for ear discharge, high fever, worsening pain, or symptoms in a very young child. Contact the prescriber if symptoms worsen or do not improve after treatment begins.

Ask which part of the ear is affected, whether antibiotics are needed, and whether drops or oral medicine is appropriate. Ask how to protect hearing, how to use the treatment, and when a follow-up examination is required.