Ear Infection Specialist

Downtown ENT: B. Thuy Le, MD

Otolaryngologist located in New York, NY

Earaches are a common condition in babies and children, but adults can get them, too. If you or your child have ear pain, ear fluid, or other symptoms of an ear infection, find relief by consulting with B. Thuy Le, MD, of Downtown ENT, located in SoHo, Manhattan. Call the New York City office or use the online tool to schedule an appointment today.

212-518-1785

Ear Infection Q&A

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection, otherwise known as acute otitis media, is caused by the presence of bacteria or viruses in the middle ear. The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum that houses the small bones that vibrate with sound waves.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Some symptoms of an ear infection include:

Ear pain
Difficulty hearing
Fluid draining from the ear
Fever
Headache
Dizziness or trouble with balance

Call Dr. Le at Downtown ENT right away if you have:

Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
Severe pain
Hearing loss
Sleeplessness after a cold or upper respiratory infection

How are ear infections treated?

How are acute ear infections treated?

Dr. Le may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria (rather than a virus). She will address and treat associated symptoms to alleviate your infection as quickly as possible to get you back to good health. She may order a hearing test to assess fluid level and hearing loss.

How are chronic ear infections treated?

If you have three ear infections in six months or four ear infections in a year, Dr. Le may recommend ear tubes to drain the ear. Dr. Le places the ear tube as an in-office surgical procedure under topical anesthesia (numbing the eardrum). Most ear tubes fall out on their own after about six to 18 months.

When you have the symptoms of an ear infection, contact Dr. Le for relief. Call the office today or use the online booking tool to request an appointment at any time.