Ear Infections
Relief for ear pain, pressure, and frequent infections.
Ear infections are incredibly common — especially in children — but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Whether it’s a one-time issue or something that keeps coming back, chronic ear pain, fluid buildup, and pressure can take a toll on your comfort, hearing, and quality of life.
At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, we diagnose and treat all types of ear infections with care and precision. We’ll help you or your child feel better fast — and create a plan to prevent future infections whenever possible.
If you’re dealing with ear pain or repeated infections, schedule an appointment today and let us help you find relief.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of an ear infection can vary depending on your age and the type of infection. Risk factors for ear infection are persistent or untreated allergies, dysfunctional eustachian tubes, and congenital health conditions. Common signs of ear infection include:
- Ear pain or pressure (often sudden or sharp)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- A feeling of fullness or “popping”
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Irritability, especially in children
- Trouble sleeping
- Fever or general discomfort
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Balance issues or dizziness in some cases
Children may also tug at their ears, cry more than usual, or have trouble feeding due to discomfort.
How We Diagnose
Diagnosis starts with a gentle, in-office exam using a tool called an otoscope, which lets us see the eardrum and look for signs of fluid, swelling, or infection.
In some cases, we may also recommend:
- Tympanometry to measure pressure in the middle ear
- Hearing tests to assess if fluid or infection is affecting hearing
- Imaging, labs culture testing for more complex or recurrent cases
We’ll walk you through what we see and help you understand your options.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection, and whether it’s a one-time issue or a recurring problem. Your plan may include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Pain relief such as over-the-counter medication or ear drops
- Ear tube placement for frequent infections or persistent fluid buildup
- Watchful waiting when the infection is mild and likely to resolve on its own
- Allergy or sinus care if we suspect another condition is contributing to ear problems
For kids with frequent infections, ear tubes are a simple and highly effective option to reduce future issues and support healthy hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ear pain can have different causes, including pressure changes or wax buildup. We’ll take a close look to confirm whether infection is the issue.
No — many mild infections, especially in older children or adults, can clear up on their own. We’ll help you decide what’s best based on your case.
Ear tubes may be recommended if you or your child has multiple infections in a short time, or if fluid behind the eardrum isn’t going away and is affecting hearing or comfort.
Yes — while they’re more common in kids, adults can absolutely get ear infections, especially with sinus issues, allergies, or upper respiratory infections.
Most of the time, it’s temporary. But repeated infections or untreated fluid buildup can cause longer-term effects, especially in children, which is why timely care is important.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Whether it’s your child’s third infection this year or a sudden earache that won’t go away, Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and get the answers — and relief — you need.