Antibiotics are not always necessary for ear infections, but they are the standard treatment for more severe bacterial ear infections. If you have a viral ear infection, antibiotics are unnecessary, as they will usually resolve themselves in time. Other options for treatment include ear flushing, ear drops, and pain relievers. If you are uncomfortable with antibiotics, let us know, and we can seek alternative therapies and use antibiotics only if nothing else works. We will also recommend some self-care strategies, such as warm compresses, hot baths, drinking plenty of water, simple jaw exercises, and other methods.