Pediatric Audiology
Questions About Ear Aches/Ear Infections
The following are questions to ask your doctor about ear aches and ear infections:
- How should I categorize and quantify the pain to help you understand its intensity?
- What is the most likely cause of my earache?
- Allergies?
- Ear wax impaction?
- Viral, bacterial or fungal infection?
- Swimmer's ear
- Other outer ear infection
- Inner ear infection
- Damage to or dysfunction of the parts of the ear?
- Damage to or tumors on the nerves affecting the ear?
- Dental problems?
- TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) syndrome?
- Other?
- How can I tell the difference between:
- An ordinary earache and an ear infection?
- An ordinary earache and one caused by damage or structural problems?
- About ear wax:
- Does the buildup of earwax contribute to infection?
- Is the presence of earwax a danger to my health and/or hearing?
- What causes earwax to build up?
- How can I safely get rid of it?
- How can I prevent the buildup of earwax?
- About ear infections:
- What type of ear infection is this?
- Is it primarily in my middle ear or my outer ear?
- How severe is the infection?
- What is happening inside the ear when I have an ear infection?
- How long after an ear infection can fluid linger in the ear?
- How can I tell if this is happening?
- When is it cause for concern?
- Are ear infections contagious?
- About swimmer's ear: Are pool swimmers at greater or lesser risk than people who swim in open water?
- Is it safe to fly with an ear infection?
- Can ear infections lead to more serious conditions/illnesses?
- Mastoiditis?
- Meningitis?
- Brain damage?
- Perforated eardrum?
- Hearing loss?
- Other?
- Why do I have recurring earaches?
- Does the tendency to develop earaches and infections run in families?
- Is immediate treatment necessary, or would we be wise to take a wait-and-see approach?
- What treatment options should I consider?
- Medications:
- Eardrops? What kind?
- Oral or topical antibiotics?
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation?
- Antihistamines or decongestants?
- Alternative medicine/therapy?
- Herbal supplements?
- Chiropractic care?
- Massage therapy?
- Dental care?
- Surgery?
- Medications:
- How soon can I expect the treatment to give relief from the fever and/or pain?
- What can I do to help alleviate pain in the interim?
- Cold or warm packs?
- Other?
- What can I do to prevent or alleviate pain if I have to travel by plane?
- Have you observed any significant damage to the bones, tissues or nerves of my ear?
- Should I see a specialist?
- What can I do to help prevent future earaches or infections?
- About ear tube surgery: [More questions about surgery]
- Why/when do you recommend the surgical placement of tubes in the ears?
- Do tubes "cure" ear infections and/or earaches?
- Especially for children:
- If my infant has an earache, what symptoms might I observe?
- What are some things that can increase a baby's risk for developing ear infections?
- Does breastfeeding an infant provide protection against ear infections?
- Does bottle-feeding an infant pose any risks for ear infections in an infant?
- Does using a pacifier affect the ears when an infection is present?
- Will my child's frequent ear infections contribute to delays in speech or learning and/or school performance?
- Can ear infections be prevented by immunization?
- What can I do to help my child sleep with an ear infection?
- How long should I keep my child home from school or day care when he has an ear infection?
- Should my child's ears be covered when he goes outside with an ear infection?
- Will the use of a vaporizer or humidifier help prevent ear infections?
- Will my child outgrow his/her propensity for earaches?
Contact Us
Audiology
2365 South Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 758-5700
Fax: (585) 758-1299
TTY: (585) 758-5776
