How to Treat Ear Problems

Ear problems can be caused by sinusitis, bacterial or viral infections and allergies. There are a number of ways to treat ear problems that range from simple home remedies to getting treatment from an ear, nose and throat specialist. Your treatment will depend upon the nature of your ear problems and the extent of your symptoms.

• Check for infection. If you have an ear infection that is untreated, you may have future ear problems. Ear infections can be either viral or bacterial in nature, and both types need to be evaluated by your health care provider. Although both types of ear infection produce similar symptoms, only bacterial ear infections are responsive to antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of an ear infection include ear pain, muffled hearing and occasionally, ear drainage. Your treatment will be based upon your doctor's evaluation of your ear problems, and the extent of your symptoms.


• Have your hearing evaluated. If your ear problems are causing hearing loss, see an audiologist, or hearing doctor, who can perform a series of diagnostic evaluations to determine how extensive your hearing loss is. After your hearing loss and resultant ear problems have been evaluated, you and your doctor can discuss an appropriate treatment plan.


• Get the wax out. If you produce excessive amounts of ear wax, you may be setting yourself up for ear problems. If ear wax is not properly removed from your ears, it may become impacted and affect your hearing. By routinely having your ear wax professionally removed, you'll be avoiding excessive wax buildups in the future and possible problems related to diminished hearing.