For a child's earache, first assess their general condition and follow age- and weight-appropriate pain-relief instructions. Do not pour oil, alcohol or random drops into the ear.
Check product age limits and dosing for paracetamol or, when suitable, ibuprofen; do not give children aspirin. Canal and eardrum examination distinguishes causes; antibiotics are not automatic. Redness or swelling behind the ear, an ear pushed forward, marked illness, neck stiffness or new facial weakness requires urgent assessment. Contact a clinician for discharge, hearing change or persistent pain.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment