Frequent ear infections!?

Hi, I'm 17 and I have frequent ear infections (both otitis media and otitis externa) and even if I don't have an infection I have fluid in my ear which gives me all the symptoms except pain. I have an appointment with a specialist in 2 weeks time, but I wondered does anyone else suffer with such severe ear infections? I've been thinking it could be due to the Eustachian tubes and drainage from the ear, however, I don't smoke and neither does anyone else in my house. When I'm in the shower I wear earplugs, and I use this pH balancing spray every night as my doctor recommended and this usually keeps it at bay...but all that does is balance the pH, so how does it stop me getting otitis media? I don't understand, as it's a completely different part of the ear! Any feedback, no matter how small, would help! :) Thanks a lot :) x

I've heard about having my tubes done, but what exactly does that involve? My doctors are rubbish! Any extra info about that would be good, I want to know about it before I agree!

See an ENT.

Just because you are 17 does not mean you could not benefit from having tubes put in you're ears.

You are making the right move by keeping that appointment in two weeks!

Having tubes put in is very simple. It takes about fifteen minutes at the most and recovery is nothing. Although Anesthesia in an older person may take more of a tole than that of a child. It is such a simple procedure. Bad thing is it being summer you will have to wear a good quality ear plug when you shower and swim.

If you are uncomfortable with you're doctor's then you have the right to find some that are better for you.

Seeing a specialist is a good idea. My daughter was immune compromised - up until she was about 7.
She always had an infection but because she didn't have residual fluid in her ears we saw no need to have tubes done.
Also we were told ENT do these fast and push them. So if you don't like what you "hear" at the specialist - get a second opinion. I think because you have the fluid it is important to find out why- Perhaps you can take a daily dose of an antibiotic - (our daughter was on bactrim) until she outgrew her "sick" years as we call them.

Good Luck.