Treatment of your ear infection will be highly dependent on what type of infection you have and how severe it is. In the case of a bacterial infection, you’ll be prescribed an antibiotic or prescription ear drops. Antibiotics aren’t effective in treating viral infections, so you’ll likely be treated with prescription ear drops, over-the-counter medications, decongestants, or antihistamines. In mild ear infections, your doctor may not prescribe anything at all unless the infection becomes worse or simply won’t go away. Preventing An Ear Infection There are a few measures you can take starting right now to prevent future ear infections: - Clean and dry out your ears after spending time in the water - Quit smoking - Treat allergies properly - Refrain from cleaning your ears out with cotton swabs - Treat pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis - Avoid putting your fingers in your ears, especially after being in a dirty environment - Wash your hands frequently after using the washroom or coming into close contact with someone who is sick