Recurrent acute middle-ear infection and fluid behind the eardrum without acute infection are different conditions. Treatment depends on age, severity, examination and hearing results.
Some mild acute infections can be observed with pain relief and reliable follow-up; antibiotics are not automatic for every episode. Antibiotics and decongestants are not routine solutions for persistent fluid. Hearing, speech or school difficulties warrant audiological assessment. When considering tubes for recurrent infection, fluid at the assessment matters; adenoid surgery is not automatically added for every child.
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