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Otitis Media Treatment - Middle Ear Infection Treatment

Struggling with a painful ear infection in the middle ear? Pristyn Care offers advanced medical and surgical options for treating otitis media, including tympanoplasty and effective antibiotics for middle ear infections. Regain comfort and protect your hearing with expert-led otitis media therapy at Pristyn Care. Book your consultation now.

Struggling with a painful ear infection in the middle ear? Pristyn Care offers ... Read More

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    Dr. Richa Mina (1FJxOOyBQw)

    Dr. Richa Mina

    MBBS, DLO
    20 Yrs.Exp.

    4.6/5

    20 Years Experience

    location icon Pristyn Care La Midas, DLF Phase 3, Gurugram
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    080-6541-4451
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    Dr. Saloni Spandan Rajyaguru (4fb10gawZv)

    Dr. Saloni Spandan Rajya...

    MBBS, DLO, DNB
    17 Yrs.Exp.

    4.6/5

    17 Years Experience

    location icon bur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400089
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    080-6541-7868
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    Dr. Manu Bharath (mVLXZCP7uM)

    Dr. Manu Bharath

    MBBS, MS - ENT
    16 Yrs.Exp.

    4.8/5

    16 Years Experience

    location icon WH6J+7R6, MARIGOLD SQUARE, 9th Cross Rd, ITI La
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    080-6510-5116
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    Dr. Divya Badanidiyur (XiktdZyczR)

    Dr. Divya Badanidiyur

    MBBS, DNB
    16 Yrs.Exp.

    4.6/5

    16 Years Experience

    location icon 76, 17th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560055
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    080-6510-5116

Diagnosis of Otitis Media

Diagnosing otitis media begins with a detailed consultation and ear examination by an experienced ENT specialist.

Here is how Otitis Media is Diagnosed:

A physical examination is usually enough to diagnose an ear infection in the middle ear. The doctor will use a lighted device called an otoscope to check for:

  • A red, swollen, or inflamed middle ear
  • Fluid or pus behind the eardrum
  • Bulging of the eardrum
  • Limited eardrum movement

If further assessment is needed, additional tests may be recommended.

• Disease name

Otitis Media

• Surgery name

Myringotomy

• Duration

30 - 40 minutes

• Treated by

ENT Surgeon (Otolaryngologists)

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Diagnostic Tests for Otitis Media

  • Pneumatic Otoscope: This device gently blows air at the eardrum. If the eardrum does not move well, it could indicate fluid build-up, often seen in acute otitis media with effusion, secretory otitis media, or adhesive otitis media.
  • Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum by changing air pressure in the ear canal. It helps detect middle ear effusion and is especially useful in identifying cases of non-suppurative otitis media or chronic otitis media.
  • Acoustic Reflectometry: This involves measuring how sound is reflected back from the eardrum. Less sound reflection suggests fluid behind the eardrum, common in otitis media serous or otitis media with effusion.
  • Tympanocentesis: In severe or persistent cases like chronic suppurative otitis media, a small amount of fluid may be drawn from the middle ear using a fine needle. This is sent to a lab to determine whether the infection is caused by a bacterial ear infection, guiding the choice of the most effective otitis media antibiotics or meds for otitis media.
  • Hearing Tests: Hearing assessments may be done, particularly in children with recurrent infections or fluid that does not drain. These tests help detect any hearing loss caused by the infection or its complications.

Are you going through any of these symptoms?

Treatment Types for Otitis Media

Treatment for otitis media is tailored to the patient’s age, symptoms, infection type and severity. Our ENT specialists determine whether medical management or surgical intervention is needed.

1. Observation (Watchful Monitoring)

  • Suitable for mild symptoms of acute otitis media in older children.
  • Symptom relief is provided while waiting 48 to 72 hours to see if the infection clears naturally.
  • This approach reduces unnecessary use of antibiotics for middle ear infection.

2. Medications

Pain relief:

  • Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen helps ease pain and fever.
  • Warm compresses can also provide comfort.

Antibiotics:

  • Prescribed if symptoms persist beyond 48 to 72 hours, are severe, or in young infants.
  • High‑dose amoxicillin is first choice
  • If there is penicillin allergy or no response, alternatives include:
    • Amoxicillin/clavulanate
    • Cefdinir, cefuroxime, cefpodoxime
    • Azithromycin or ceftriaxone

Ear drops:

  • Local antibiotic ear drops, such as ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone, are used for chronic suppurative otitis media or if tubes are in place
  • These allow high local antibiotic levels with minimal systemic effects.

3. Surgical Options

Myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes):

  • A minor procedure to drain fluid and insert tubes in the eardrum.
  • Recommended for recurrent acute otitis media (3+ episodes in 6 months or 4 in a year) or persistent middle ear effusion over 3 months.
  • The tubes usually stay in place for 12 to 18 months, allowing air in and fluid out.
  • Patients can usually return home the same day.

Tympanoplasty:

  • Surgical repair of a perforated or damaged eardrum.
  • Helps restore hearing and prevents repeated ear infection in the middle ear.

How to Prepare for Otitis Media Treatment?

If you are scheduled for a surgical procedure such as a tympanoplasty to treat chronic otitis media or recurrent middle ear infections, proper preparation can help ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

  1. Follow Pre-Surgery Fasting Guidelines

If your otitis media treatment involves general anaesthesia or sedation, you will likely need to avoid eating or drinking after midnight before the procedure. This helps reduce the risk of aspiration during surgery.

  1. Arrange for Transportation

Since you may feel drowsy or disoriented after the procedure, it is important to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home. You will not be able to drive yourself after receiving anaesthesia.

  1. Share Your Medical History

Before the operation, make sure to inform your ENT specialist about your complete medical history. This includes any existing health conditions, current medications, known allergies (especially to antibiotics for middle ear infection), and any past ear procedures. This helps your doctor tailor your otitis media therapy safely and effectively.

  1. Discuss Medications

You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication routine.

  1. Maintain Ear Hygiene

Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal prior to surgery, including cotton swabs or ear drops for otitis media, unless specifically prescribed. Your ENT specialist may clean the ear during the pre-operative assessment if needed.

  1. Prepare for Recovery at Home

After the otitis media operation, you may need to rest for a few days. Stock up on any prescribed meds for otitis media, such as pain relievers or otitis media antibiotics. Your doctor may also advise ear protection to prevent water or bacteria entering the inflamed middle ear during healing.

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What Happens if Otitis Media is Left Untreated?

If otitis media is not treated on time, especially in cases like acute otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media, or otitis media with effusion, it may lead to serious complications.

Here are the potential risks of leaving a middle ear infection untreated:

  1. Permanent Hearing Loss

A build-up of fluid or pus in the middle ear, known as middle ear effusion, can affect how sound travels.

  1. Speech and Language Delays in Children

Young children with chronic otitis media or persistent ear effusion may experience delays in speech and language development. This is often due to reduced hearing over time.

  1. Spread of Infection

In some cases, the infection may spread to nearby areas such as the mastoid bone, sinuses, or even the brain. This is more likely to occur in untreated chronic otitis media or bacterial ear infection that becomes severe.

  1. Eardrum Perforation

Prolonged pressure from fluid or pus behind the eardrum can cause it to rupture. A perforated eardrum can lead to sharp ear pain, drainage, and reduced hearing. In some cases, a tympanoplasty may be needed to repair the damage.

  1. Development of Adhesive or Suppurative Otitis Media

Without proper otitis media therapy, the condition may progress to adhesive otitis media or otitis media suppurative, which involve scarring, thickened tissues, or persistent drainage. These may require surgical treatment such as otitis media operation to restore function and prevent recurrence.

  1. Balance Issues

The inner ear plays an important role in balance. Long-standing middle ear infection otitis media can affect nearby structures, leading to dizziness or unsteadiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for otitis media?

Treatment depends on the type and severity but usually involves antibiotics, pain relief, and sometimes surgery.

When is surgery needed for otitis media?

Surgery is considered if infection persists, causes hearing loss, or there is a perforated eardrum.

Can antibiotics cure otitis media completely?

Antibiotics help clear bacterial infections but may not be effective for all types, especially chronic or effusion cases.

How long does it take to recover from otitis media treatment?

Recovery varies; acute infections may improve in a few days, while surgery recovery can take a few weeks.

Is tympanoplasty painful?

Tympanoplasty is performed under anaesthesia, and any post-operative pain is mild and manageable with medication.

Can children undergo otitis media treatment at Pristyn Care?

Yes, we provide specialised care for children with otitis media using gentle and effective treatments.

What should I avoid after otitis media surgery?

Avoid water entering the ear, heavy lifting, and exposure to dust or smoke until fully healed.

Are there non-surgical options available for chronic otitis media?

Some cases may improve with antibiotics, ear drops, and careful monitoring, but surgery is often needed for chronic conditions.

Can otitis media return after treatment?

Recurrence is possible, especially without preventive measures or if the underlying cause is not addressed.

What is the cost range for otitis media treatment in India?

Cost for Otitis Media Treatment vary depending on treatment type but typically range from INR 65,000 to INR 1,0,5000.

Is insurance accepted for otitis media treatment?

Yes, Pristyn Care accepts most health insurance plans covering ear infection and otitis media treatment procedures.

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Medically Reviewed By
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Dr. Richa Mina
20 Years Experience Overall
Last Updated : June 14, 2025