Smoking and second hand smoke. No smoking in household. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Hearing impairment usually temporary, but sometimes permanent leading to delay of normal language development in children. Fluid from the ear may be cultured.
Treatment usually involves medication and supportive care to relieve pain.
Apply heat to the area around the ears to relieve pain. Swimming should be avoided until infection clears. Antibiotics may be prescribed, if the infection appears to be bacterial rather than viral. Finish the medication. The infection may remain active for several days after symptoms disappear.