How long does a ear infection last?

7-10 days: Ear infections (middle ear) can resolve on their own in 7-10 days. The non-infected fluid can persist for up to 3 months behind the ear drum.

Depends: Most ear infections can be caused by viruses but if your child has high fever and ear pain then bacteria can play a role. Ear infections caused by bacteria are usually treated for 7-10days with antibiotics. However, fluid behind the ear drum can last weeks to months once the ear infection is treated.

Varies alot: The symptoms that made you suspect an ear infection in the first place should clear up. Usually this means pain goes away. This usually happens within a couple of days. Then you should get your hearing back. This can take a little longer as it takes more time for the fluid from the infection to get cleared up and hearing to return to normal. Sometimes takes up to 8 weeks to get rid of fluid.

Ear infection: If treated with antibiotics an ear infection can clear up in 36-48 hours.Untreated an ear infection may clear up in 5-7 days. However fluid fluid in the middle ear may take several weeks to clear up.