How are ear infections treated?

Antibiotic drops: There are 2 types of ear infections-infection of the skin of the ear canal ( called external otitis) and infections of the middle ear commonly seen in young children. Older children and adults are more likely to have an external otitis. Antibiotic drops are the preferred treatment. Inner ear infections are more often treated with antibiotic pills (or syrup). In young children sometimes neither.

Oral antibiotics: For children most ear infections are middle ear infections related to poorly developed eustachian tubes resulting in fluid retention which provides an environment for bacterial overgrowth. Antibiotics and pain control are the accepted methods of treatment here in the US. Tube placement is indicated with repeated or chronic infections. Outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) are treated with drops.

It depends on where : Ear infections may involve the cavity behind the ear drum (acute otitis media) or the ear canal (swimmer's ear or otitis externa). The former may follow a cold, often clears on its own and otherwise requires a course of oral antibiotic. The latter results from loss of the normal oils and wax and may respond to acidified alcohol drops or to topical antibiotics, sometimes combined with a steroid.