It's important to follow the directions for giving your child the medicine. Don't give your child aspirin unless your doctor says it's okay. A warm, not hot, heating pad held over the ear can also help relieve the earache. Ear drops to relieve pain are sometimes prescribed. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Some children seem to get many ear infections.
If your child has had three ear infections in six months or four in one year, your doctor may suggest that your child take a low dose of antibiotic every day, usually during the winter when these infections are most common. Your doctor may want to see your child a few times when he or she is taking the antibiotic to make sure another ear infection does not happen. Your child's hearing may be affected if fluid stays in the middle ear after an infection. This may also lead to repeat infections. Usually the fluid goes away in two to three months, and hearing returns to normal.