Sometimes the ear drum will rupture from the pressure and there will be thick drainage, usually with a foul odor, and sometimes blood tinged. The child will probably experience immediate relief from pain after the rupture occurs. Temporary hearing loss is common due to the reduced transmission of sound through the fluid and decreased movement in the inflamed ear drum. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, ear infections are usually resolved without complications. Serious complications are rare but may include mastoiditis, meningitis, epidural abscess or osteomyelitis of the temporal bone.
Antibiotic therapy is the most common treatment once infection is confirmed.
Antibiotic treatments are usually for 10 days with relief of ear pain and fever within 2-3 days. Positioning the child's bed by inserting a wedge under the mattress may help improve drainage through the eustachian tube once it resumes. If a ruptured ear drum occurs, the healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotic drops. In children experiencing recurrent infections, physicians and healthcare providers may recommend prophylactic antibiotic treatment especially during winter months when colds and respiratory infections are prevalent. These drugs are usually given at low dosages taken once or twice a day.