Ear Infection

Many children visit their pediatrician for an ear infection. If your child has chronic ear infections, Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, in Lower Manhattan in New York City, the Sunset Park neighborhood in Brooklyn, and the Flushing neighborhood in Queens, New York, can help. Raymond Yung, MD, and the other board-certified otolaryngologists specialize in treating ear infections. Call the office most convenient to you or schedule an ear infection consultation online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the ear. Most ear infections occur in the middle ear, which is called otitis media. 

Infections occur when germs get into the fluid behind the eardrum, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain that prevents fluid drainage. 

Anyone can get an ear infection. However, they’re more common in children because they have smaller, more horizontal eustachian tubes than adults. The eustachian tubes run from the middle ears to the back of the throat behind the nose, helping drain fluid and maintain ear pressure.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Ear pain is the most common symptom of an ear infection. Other symptoms include:

• Poor appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fever
• Drainage from the ear
• Difficulty hearing

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, schedule a visit with their primary care provider for treatment recommendations. 

When do I need otolaryngology for an ear infection?

You should see an otolaryngologist for ear infections if they’re a recurring problem. Children are at a higher risk of getting frequent ear infections. Over time, these infections may lead to hearing loss. 

During an evaluation at Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, your otolaryngologist reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines the ear(s). They may also do a CT scan and audiology testing.

Otolaryngologists classify ear infections based on the symptoms and results of the evaluation. Types of ear infections include:

Acute otitis media

Acute otitis media is a sudden ear infection in the middle ear. If you have recurring ear infections of the middle ear, you have chronic otitis media.

Otitis media with effusion

Otitis media with effusion occurs when fluid remains in the ear after an infection, affecting hearing.

Chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic suppurative otitis media is an ear infection that fails to improve with medical interventions.

What are the treatments for an ear infection?

The skilled otolaryngologists at Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, customize ear infection treatment plans based on the severity and frequency of the infection. They offer many treatment options, including conservative care like antibiotics.

They also perform in-office procedures to treat ear infections, such as:

• Myringotomy with tube placement (drainage of fluid with ear tube)
• Patch myringoplasty (repair of a hole in an eustachian tube)
• Intratympanic steroid injection (to reduce inflammation)
• Eustachian tube dilation (to open ear tube)

Your specialist talks to you about the ear infection and treatment options so you can make an informed decision about care.

Call Raymond L. Yung, MD, PC, or schedule your ear infection consultation online today.