Ear Infections in Adults?

I have had four ear infections within the last five months, and three of them have been within the month. I am just getting over the last one and saw the ENT yesterday and they said that I have no infection right now, which is great, but I was sent to see the ENT to find a way to get rid of the recurring infections and she didn't even really touch on that but sent me away with a diagnosis of hearing loss and TMJ. I did a hearing test that day and it came out fine, and I have never had any problems with my jaw. I feel this is a cop-out answer, and would really like to get to the bottom of these infections. My regular doctor sent me there possibly with the idea of getting tubes put in. Any ideas?

The ENT cannot put tubes in if you do not have a current ear infection. So next time you have an infection go to ENT first (try a different one) and maybe he will put in the tube. The tubes will help drain the fluid from behind your eardrum so the ear infections are not so uncomfortable. The tubes stay in for about a year usually and then they come out on their own. You probably have had two ear infections one five months ago and one that never fully cleared up this month and seemed to keep coming back (may be case now as ear infection is supposedly gone). The tube would help fully clear out all the gunk behind your ear drum and you should be good after that. sometimes antibiotics are not good enough to treat ear infections.

It does seem that doctors look for an ways cop-out answer. Sometimes you just have to try a different doctor. It sucks, but there are a lot of crappy doctors out there.

Something to try before you have tubes inserted though. I used to get ear infections a lot until an EMT told me that I should use hydrogen peroxide a couple of times a week.

He said to tilt my head to the side, put in a little peroxide and let it bubble for a minute or so and then drain it out and do the other side.

I don't have ear infections anymore. Maybe ask your doctor if this would help you? Knowing doctors they will say no, because they want you coming into the office. lol. Perheps try that first.

having battled this all my life, I will tell you, wear ear plugs when ever you are in the shower and the pool. Your ears could have a shelf , like mine inside where water gets stuck and causes bacteria to grow, which causes the infections.
I have had great results from the ear plugs.
It could also be a sinus problem, you need to go to a ear, nose and throat Dr. and have some tests done.

you should take a small tablespoon of vinegar and fill your ear, letting it soak. The acidity of the vinegar kills all the bacteria. You will see reluslts within about 10 min. repeat about 5 times daily. Glad I could help.

I had Otitis Media (inner ear infection) in September so I know how it goes with ear infections and they are no fun to have. I also dealt with a lot of ear infections as a child. I think you need to get a second opinion from a different ENT. My guess is you should have tubes put in. Also if you get alot of throat and sinus infections you probably should get your tonsils and adenoids removed. I'll be going to see an ENT on Thursday about having my tonsils and adenoids removed.