Chronic Ear Infections Treatment in Los Angeles

Recurring ear infections can disrupt your sleep, impair your hearing, and make even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. For children and adults alike, chronic ear infections are more than a nuisance; they can signal an underlying issue that deserves expert attention and lasting care. At SCENTAA (Southern California ENT & Allergy Associates), our board-certified ENT specialists in Los Angeles and Glendale provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for chronic ear infections, helping patients of all ages find real relief and long-term results.

Whether you’ve been dealing with recurring ear pain for months or you’re watching your child suffer through yet another round of antibiotics with no end in sight, our team is here to offer a clearer path forward. From in-office diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures, we personalize every treatment plan to your anatomy, lifestyle, and health history.

What Are Chronic Ear Infections?

An ear infection, known medically as otitis media, occurs when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, the space just behind the eardrum.

A single, isolated ear infection is very common, especially in young children. However, when infections recur three or more times in six months, or four or more times within a year, they are considered chronic.

Chronic ear infections can take several forms:

Chronic otitis media with effusion (glue ear): Fluid remains in the middle ear without active infection, impairing hearing and creating a breeding ground for future infections.
Chronic suppurative otitis media: A persistent infection that causes a ruptured eardrum with ongoing discharge. This form often requires more aggressive intervention.
Recurrent acute otitis media: Repeated episodes of acute infection that fully resolve between episodes but keep coming back.

Understanding which type of chronic ear infection you or your child has is the critical first step toward choosing the right treatment. Our Los Angeles ENT doctors perform thorough evaluations to make this determination accurately.

Who Gets Chronic Ear Infections?

While chronic ear infections are most common in children between 6 months and 2 years of age, they can affect people of any age. Several anatomical and environmental factors increase susceptibility:

In Children

Children are disproportionately affected because their Eustachian tubes, the narrow channels connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, are shorter, more horizontal, and floppier than in adults. This makes it easier for pathogens to travel from the throat to the ear and harder for fluid to drain naturally. Additional risk factors in children include:

Daycare attendance and close contact with other children
Bottle-feeding while lying down
Pacifier use, especially after 6 months
Secondhand smoke exposure
A family history of chronic ear infections
Cleft palate or other craniofacial differences

In Adults

Adults with chronic ear infections often have an underlying structural or systemic cause, such as:

Eustachian tube dysfunction due to allergies or nasal congestion
Untreated nasal polyps or a deviated septum
Acid reflux (GERD) that affects the throat and ear tube
Immunodeficiency or chronic illness
Swimming or frequent water exposure (swimmer’s ear)
A history of unresolved ear infections from childhood

In both cases, identifying the root cause is essential for preventing future episodes. Simply treating each infection with antibiotics without addressing the underlying problem is rarely a sustainable long-term solution.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Ear Infections

Recognizing chronic ear infections early can prevent complications like permanent hearing loss or structural damage to the ear. Common symptoms include:

Symptoms in Children

Frequent ear pain or tugging at the ears
Irritability, especially when lying down
Difficulty hearing or responding to soft sounds
Delayed speech or language development
Fluid draining from the ear
Frequent fevers
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Balance problems or unexplained clumsiness

Symptoms in Adults

Persistent or recurring ear pain
A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Drainage or discharge from the ear canal
Dizziness or vertigo
Recurring sore throats or nasal congestion alongside ear symptoms

If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms repeatedly, an evaluation by a specialist at SCENTAA is the best first step. Our ENT doctors in Los Angeles are trained to detect subtle signs that a primary care physician may not catch.

How SCENTAA Diagnoses Chronic Ear Infections

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At our Los Angeles and Glendale offices, our ENT team uses a combination of advanced in-office technology and clinical expertise to evaluate ear health from multiple angles.

Otoscopy and Pneumatic Otoscopy

Our physicians use a high-quality otoscope to visualize the ear canal and eardrum. Pneumatic otoscopy, in which a small puff of air is introduced, helps assess eardrum mobility, a key indicator of middle ear fluid.

Tympanometry

This painless test measures how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. Abnormal results can confirm the presence of fluid or identify Eustachian tube dysfunction, both common contributors to chronic ear infections.

Audiometry (Hearing Testing)

Hearing evaluations help us determine the extent to which chronic ear infections have affected your hearing. This is particularly important in children, where hearing loss can have lasting developmental consequences.

Nasal Endoscopy

Because Eustachian tube dysfunction is often driven by nasal or sinus problems, our ENT doctors frequently perform nasal endoscopy to assess the back of the nose and the Eustachian tube opening. This helps us identify nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, or inflammatory tissue that may be contributing to ear problems.

CT Imaging When Necessary

In select cases, particularly when complications are suspected or when surgical planning is needed, a CT scan of the temporal bone may be ordered. This provides a detailed look at the bony structures surrounding the middle ear.

Chronic Ear Infection Treatment Options at SCENTAA

Treatment for chronic ear infections depends on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the problem. At SCENTAA, we take a stepwise approach, starting with the least invasive options and progressing to procedural interventions when needed. Our goal is always to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Medical Management

For many patients, appropriate medical therapy can reduce the frequency and severity of ear infections. Depending on your situation, this may include:

Targeted antibiotic therapy: When an active infection is present, we select the most appropriate antibiotic based on the likely or identified pathogen, minimizing resistance risk.
Allergy testing and treatment: Allergies are one of the most underappreciated drivers of Eustachian tube dysfunction. Our in-house allergy team can test and treat environmental or food allergies that may be fueling chronic ear inflammation.
Nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines: These can reduce nasal inflammation and improve Eustachian tube drainage.
Decongestants: Used short-term to relieve pressure and support natural drainage.

Ear Tube Placement (Tympanostomy Tubes)

For patients who continue to experience recurrent infections despite medical treatment, ear tube placement, also called tympanostomy or myringotomy with tubes, is often the recommended next step. This is one of the most commonly performed ear procedures in both children and adults.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the eardrum, and a tiny tube is inserted to allow ongoing drainage of fluid and ventilation of the middle ear. The tube typically stays in place for six to eighteen months before falling out on its own.

Benefits of ear tubes include:

Significant reduction in the frequency of ear infections
Improved hearing almost immediately after tube placement
Reduced need for oral antibiotics
Better sleep, behavior, and language development in children

In children, the procedure is typically performed under brief general anesthesia and takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. Adults can often have the procedure done in the office under local anesthesia.

Adenoid Removal (Adenoidectomy)

The adenoids are lymphatic tissue at the back of the nasal passage, just above the throat. In children, enlarged or chronically infected adenoids can block the Eustachian tube opening and harbor bacteria that seed repeated ear infections. When this is identified as a contributing factor, adenoidectomy, surgical removal of the adenoids, is often recommended alongside ear tube placement.

Research consistently shows that combining ear tubes with adenoidectomy in children over age 4 significantly reduces the recurrence of ear infections compared to ear tubes alone.

Eustachian Tube Dilation

For adults with persistent Eustachian tube dysfunction as the primary driver of chronic ear problems, Eustachian tube balloon dilation is an innovative and minimally invasive option. This in-office or outpatient procedure uses a small balloon catheter to gently open the Eustachian tube, improving its function and allowing better pressure equalization and drainage.

The procedure takes only a few minutes per side and offers many patients long-lasting relief from ear fullness, muffled hearing, and recurrent infections. SCENTAA offers this advanced procedure at our Los Angeles and Glendale locations.

Treatment for Nasal and Sinus Contributors

Because the nose, sinuses, and ears are intimately connected, chronic nasal conditions frequently perpetuate cycles of ear infections. Our team is uniquely positioned to address these contributors because we specialize in the full spectrum of ENT and allergy care:

Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated nasal septum that causes chronic nasal congestion and impaired Eustachian tube drainage.
Turbinate reduction: Reduces swollen turbinates that obstruct airflow and promote Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Endoscopic sinus surgery: Opens blocked sinuses and restores healthy drainage, reducing the reservoir of bacteria that can spread to the ear.
Nasal polyp treatment: Including SINUVA and Propel stent therapies for minimally invasive polyp management.

Allergy Immunotherapy

For patients whose chronic ear infections are rooted in persistent allergies, allergy immunotherapy, either through allergy shots or sublingual drops, can provide long-term desensitization to triggers. SCENTAA offers comprehensive allergy testing and treatment at our Los Angeles and Glendale clinics, making us a one-stop resource for patients whose ear problems have an allergic component.

Complications of Untreated Chronic Ear Infections

Without proper evaluation and treatment, chronic ear infections can lead to serious and sometimes permanent complications. These include:

Permanent hearing loss:

Repeated inflammation and fluid accumulation can damage the tiny bones (ossicles) inside the middle ear, leading to lasting conductive hearing loss.

Eardrum perforation:

A ruptured eardrum can occur during a severe infection. While small perforations often heal on their own, large or chronic perforations may require surgical repair (tympanoplasty).

Cholesteatoma:

A destructive growth of skin cells in the middle ear that develops when the eardrum is chronically retracted or perforated. Without treatment, a cholesteatoma can erode bone and damage the structures of the inner ear, facial nerve, or brain.

Mastoiditis:

Infection of the mastoid bone (behind the ear) can develop when a middle ear infection spreads, requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

Speech and language delays in children:

Hearing loss caused by chronic ear infections can significantly impair a child’s ability to develop normal speech and language during critical developmental windows.

Meningitis:

Though rare, infection can spread beyond the ear to the lining of the brain, a life-threatening emergency.

These risks underscore why early, proactive treatment of chronic ear infections is so important. If you’re in Los Angeles or the surrounding area and have been dealing with recurrent ear infections, do not wait for complications to develop.

The SCENTAA Approach: Integrated ENT and Allergy Care

What sets SCENTAA apart from a standard ENT practice is our integrated approach to care. Our team includes otolaryngologists (ENT specialists) and allergy specialists who work together under one roof to address the full picture of why you or your child keeps getting ear infections.

This integrated model means:

You don’t need to visit multiple specialists or coordinate care between offices
Your ENT and allergy care are coordinated and informed by the same clinical team
Diagnostic testing, allergy testing, and in-office procedures are all available in one location
Your treatment plan is designed to address every contributing factor, not just the most obvious one

Our providers, including Dr. Michael Bublik, Dr. Yen Hsieh, and our physician assistants, bring deep expertise and a patient-centered philosophy to every visit. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, walk you through your options, and support you at every step of the treatment process.

Preventing Future Ear Infections

Once your ear infections are under control, our team will work with you on strategies to minimize the risk of recurrence. Depending on your specific situation, this may include:

Ongoing allergy management to reduce nasal inflammation
Advice on swimming precautions and ear protection
Breastfeeding guidance for infants, which is associated with lower ear infection rates
Recommendations for pneumococcal and flu vaccinations, which reduce infection risk
Avoidance of smoke exposure and other environmental irritants
Follow-up appointments to monitor tube function and hearing in children

We believe that treating chronic ear infections means more than stopping the current one; it means building a healthier ear environment for the long term.

Schedule Your Consultation in Los Angeles or Glendale

Chronic ear infections don’t have to be your new normal. At SCENTAA, our experienced ENT and allergy team is ready to help you find the right answers and the right treatment plan. Whether you’re a parent exhausted by your child’s repeated infections or an adult who has been struggling for years without relief, we are here for you.

We serve patients throughout Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and the surrounding communities. Telehealth consultations are also available for appropriate cases.

Contact SCENTAA today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified ENT specialists. Relief is possible, and it starts with the right diagnosis.

When to See an ENT Specialist for Ear Infections

Not every ear infection requires a visit to a specialist. However, you should schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor at SCENTAA if you or your child experiences any of the following:

Three or more ear infections in six months, or four or more in a year
Hearing loss persists between infections
Fluid behind the eardrum has been present for three months or longer
Drainage or discharge from the ear
Antibiotic treatment has been unsuccessful or repeatedly required
Concerns about speech delay in a young child
Significant pain, dizziness, facial weakness, or severe headache alongside ear symptoms

Early specialist involvement can prevent complications and get you or your child on a more effective treatment path much sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chronic Ear Infections Treatment

What qualifies as a chronic ear infection?

An ear infection is considered chronic when a child experiences three or more episodes within six months, or four or more within a single year. In adults, recurrent infections or a persistent infection that does not fully resolve with treatment are also considered chronic. The pattern of recurrence, rather than just the severity of any single episode, is what distinguishes chronic from typical ear infections.

Are ear infections in children always a cause for concern?

A single ear infection in a child is very common and generally not a cause for alarm. However, when infections recur or fluid persists in the middle ear for months at a time, they can affect hearing and speech development. Parents should consult a specialist if ear infections are happening frequently or if the child shows signs of hearing difficulty or language delay.

How long does it take for an ear infection to clear up?

Most uncomplicated acute ear infections improve within 2 to 3 days and fully resolve within 1 to 2 weeks with appropriate treatment. However, fluid in the middle ear (effusion) can linger for weeks or even months after the active infection clears. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe or return quickly after treatment, a specialist evaluation is warranted.

Can allergies cause chronic ear infections?

Yes. Allergies are one of the most common underlying causes of chronic ear infections, particularly in adults. Allergic inflammation causes swelling of the nasal lining and Eustachian tube, impairing drainage and ventilation of the middle ear. This creates an environment where bacteria and fluid can accumulate, leading to repeated infections. Treating the allergic component is often essential to breaking the cycle.

What are ear tubes, and how do they work?

Ear tubes, or tympanostomy tubes, are tiny hollow cylinders placed through a small incision in the eardrum. They allow continuous ventilation of the middle ear and drainage of any fluid, preventing the buildup that leads to infection. The tubes usually stay in place for 6 to 18 months before falling out naturally. During this time, most patients see a dramatic reduction in ear infections and improvement in hearing.

Is ear tube surgery safe for children?

Ear tube placement is one of the most commonly performed procedures in pediatric medicine and has an excellent safety record. It is typically performed under brief general anesthesia that lasts only a few minutes. Risks are minimal and may include mild temporary drainage, early tube extrusion, or a small residual hole in the eardrum after the tube falls out, the latter of which is uncommon and often heals on its own.

Can adults get ear tubes, too?

Yes, adults can benefit from ear tubes when Eustachian tube dysfunction is causing recurrent fluid buildup or chronic infections. In adults, the procedure can often be performed in the office under local anesthesia without the need for general sedation. Your ENT physician will evaluate whether ear tubes, Eustachian tube dilation, or another intervention is the most appropriate option for your situation.

What is Eustachian tube dysfunction, and how does it relate to ear infections?

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and plays a key role in equalizing pressure and draining fluid from the ear. When this tube does not open and close properly, due to inflammation, allergies, anatomical factors, or other causes, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear. This trapped fluid becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, leading to infections. Addressing Eustachian tube dysfunction directly is central to managing chronic ear infections in both children and adults.

What is a cholesteatoma, and how is it related to ear infections?

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells that grows in the middle ear or the mastoid bone, typically resulting from chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction or recurrent ear infections. If left untreated, it can expand and erode the surrounding bone, damaging the hearing bones, facial nerve, or even the brain. Cholesteatomas are treated surgically and represent one of the most serious potential complications of long-standing ear disease.

Can chronic ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?

Yes, if left untreated, chronic ear infections can lead to permanent conductive hearing loss. Repeated inflammation can damage or scar the eardrum and the small bones (ossicles) that transmit sound through the middle ear. In more severe cases, infection or complications such as cholesteatoma can affect the inner ear and cause sensorineural hearing loss, which is generally permanent. This is why early treatment is so important.

How are chronic ear infections in adults different from those in children?

While children get ear infections primarily due to immature Eustachian tube anatomy and frequent upper respiratory infections, adults with chronic ear infections usually have an identifiable structural or systemic cause, such as allergies, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or a history of untreated ear disease from childhood. Adults are also more likely to experience tinnitus and vertigo alongside ear infections. The diagnostic workup and treatment options differ accordingly.

Will my child outgrow chronic ear infections?

Many children do naturally outgrow recurrent ear infections as their Eustachian tubes mature and lengthen with age, typically by age 6 to 7. However, this is not guaranteed, and waiting without treatment can expose a child to significant hearing loss, speech delays, and reduced quality of life in the meantime. For children with frequent infections or persistent fluid, proactive treatment with ear tubes or adenoidectomy is generally recommended rather than a ‘wait and see’ approach.

Are there any home remedies that help with chronic ear infections?

Home remedies are not a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment of chronic ear infections. Some measures, such as warm compresses for pain relief, keeping water out of the ears, or using a humidifier to reduce nasal dryness, may provide mild symptomatic comfort. However, they do not treat the underlying cause of chronic infections and are not effective for middle ear disease. If you or your child is experiencing recurring ear infections, scheduling an evaluation with a specialist is the appropriate step.

What should I expect at my first ENT appointment for ear infections?

At your first visit to SCENTAA, your provider will take a thorough medical history, review any previous treatments, and perform a detailed examination of the ear, nose, and throat. This may include otoscopy, tympanometry, and hearing screening. If appropriate, a nasal endoscopy may also be performed. Based on the findings, your doctor will explain your diagnosis and present a personalized treatment plan. Most patients leave their first appointment with a clear understanding of what is causing their ear problems and what the next steps will be.

Does SCENTAA offer telehealth appointments for ear infection concerns?

Yes. SCENTAA offers telehealth consultations for appropriate cases, including initial evaluations for recurrent ear infections in both children and adults. While some aspects of the ear examination require an in-person visit, a telehealth consultation can be a convenient first step to discuss your history, symptoms, and treatment options with one of our ENT specialists. Contact our office to determine whether a telehealth or in-person appointment is best suited to your needs.