What Causes Ear Infections?
Viral or bacterial infections are usually responsible for ear infections. If you have an ear infection, the tissue in your ear may swell up. Your ears might also fill with fluid. Swollen, inflamed tissue often triggers severe pain, hearing problems, and dizziness.
Most earaches clear up on their own within a few days, but if a bacterial infection causes your pain, you may need antibiotics. These medications help destroy the infection so you can feel better.
Some people are especially prone to ear infections and get several each year. If you have recurring infections, Beach Cities ENTS can help you develop a treatment plan. Reach out to our ENT specialists in Torrance, CA to learn more.
Why Do I Seem to Have Recurring Ear Infections?
Structural problems in the ear can cause frequent infections. If you often get ear infections, your ears may have trouble removing excess fluid. The longer the fluid stays in your ears, the more likely it is to become infected.
There is also a link between ear infections and problems with eustachian tubes. Your eustachian tubes are narrow passages that connect your ears to your nose and throat.
If these tubes are too scarred, swollen, or immature, they can easily become blocked. Over time, these blockages increase your risk of infections.
At Beach Cities ENTS, you work with a board-certified physician to get to the root of your ear infection cause. The Beach Cities ENTS team helps you find long-lasting solutions.
How Are Ear Infections Treated?
If this is your first ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. They might also wait to see if the infection clears on its own. If you have recurring infections, you may need surgery.
A variety of surgical procedures can help clear up ear infections. Your Beach Cities ENTS surgeon may suggest:
- Eustachian tube balloonplasty
- Myringotomy and tube placement
These procedures can help drain the infected fluid from your ears to clear up your infection. These surgeries relieve pressure in your ear and keep the passages open.
Children who have recurring infections sometimes benefit from ear tubes. Ear tubes are simple, temporary implants placed within the eardrum to release pressure and prevent fluid accumulation. The tubes usually fall out on their own after surgery.
Most children eventually outgrow their need for ear tubes. However, in some cases, your child's ear tubes may need to be replaced or resized as they get older.
Not sure which ear infection procedure is right for you? A Beach Cities ENTS doctor can perform an expert evaluation and help you develop a personalized care plan. Call our practice in Torrance, CA today or schedule an appointment online.
Ear Infection Reviews
Dr. Eapen is amazing. Thanks to her my son is able to sleep without breathing issues and hasn’t had an ear infection in months.
I highly recommend Dr. NathanEivaz, He is a true professional who knows exactly what to do. I had a recurring ear infection and had seen many other doctors who couldn't help me, but Dr. Evers made a significant difference. I'm incredibly happy and grateful for his care. He is knowledgeable, courteous, and explains things in a very simple way. In short, I'm very happy with his services and recommend him to everyone. He is the best otolaryngologist in Torrance, California ,in my opinion 😃---
I had to wait a little for my appointment but they were very courteous and caring. The Doctor ( Dr Levine), took time to educate me on my tinnitus and made recommendations on how to minimize it. I am returning for a follow up in a month
Dr. Eapen took excellent care of my 3 year old with an ear infection and ruptured ear drum. She had an excellent bedside manner and was clear in her explanation of what was going on and what next steps were. My daughter felt comfortable the entire time. I highly recommend Dr. Eapen!
I had an amazing experience. Dr. Sesi was so kind and empathetic. I was seen very promptly and he diagnosed my double ear infection. Bummed about the ear infection, but very grateful for the level of care I received. The office staff was very nice also. I’ll definitely recommend this office to everyone.
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Ear Infection FAQ
When should I see an ENT for an ear infection?
Consider seeing an ENT for an ear infection when pain is severe, symptoms keep returning, hearing becomes affected, or drainage develops. Our team at Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance, CA can evaluate recurring or persistent ear problems and recommend appropriate care.
Can an ear infection cause hearing loss?
A middle ear infection can cause temporary hearing changes when fluid or inflammation interferes with normal sound transmission. Hearing often improves as the infection and fluid resolve, but persistent hearing loss should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
What happens if an ear infection does not go away?
An untreated or persistent ear infection may lead to ongoing pain, fluid buildup, hearing difficulties, or other complications in some cases. An ENT evaluation can determine why symptoms are continuing and whether additional treatment is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should an adult go to an ENT rather than urgent care for an ear infection?
See an ENT if you've had more than three ear infections in a year, if an infection isn't resolving after a course of antibiotics, if you have hearing loss associated with the infection, or if you experience dizziness or drainage. An ENT can diagnose the underlying reason for recurring infections — which urgent care typically cannot address — and provide a longer-term solution.
Does Beach Cities ENT treat chronic ear infections in both adults and children?
Yes. We treat patients of all ages for acute and chronic ear infections. For children with recurrent infections, we can evaluate whether ear tubes are appropriate. For adults, we'll investigate contributing factors such as eustachian tube dysfunction, allergies, or anatomical issues causing infections to recur.
If I've had multiple ear infections, do I need ear tubes?
Not necessarily — but it's worth discussing. The general guideline for ear tube consideration is three or more ear infections in six months, or four or more in a year, especially with persistent fluid behind the eardrum or hearing loss. Our physician will review your history and examination to recommend the most appropriate course of action.
What is the difference between an outer ear and a middle ear infection?
Outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) affect the ear canal and cause pain when you pull on your ear. Middle ear infections occur behind the eardrum — symptoms include ear pain, fever, and sometimes drainage. Treatment differs: outer ear infections are treated with antibiotic ear drops, while middle ear infections may require oral antibiotics.
How quickly can I get an appointment for an ear infection in Torrance?
We offer appointments within 1–2 weeks for new patients, and try to accommodate sooner for acute infections causing significant pain or hearing changes. Call our office directly and describe your symptoms — we'll find the earliest available time.