Article: Even mild ear infections can progress quickly, so it's important to see your doctor if you have a combination of these symptoms. If you have fever along with other symptoms or you are in a lot of pain, you should see a doctor immediately if possible. Cleaning your ear allows the medicine to get where it needs to go. Your doctor may suction your ear out, or she may use an ear curette to gently scoop and scrape out your ear. Your doctor will most likely write you a prescription for antibiotic drops that include neomycin. If other options don't work, your doctor might also prescribe your ciprofloxicin, which is often a second-line agent. You will then use the drops in your ear to reduce the infection.  There is a very low risk of hearing loss from amino-glycosides, including neomycin.  This medicine usually given in combination with polymyxin B and hydrocortisone a solution that is to be applied to the outer ear canal 4 drops 3-4 times a day as long as prescribed. Neomycin can also cause contact dermatitis.  If your ear is too blocked, you may need a wick placed in your ear, which will help deliver the drops to your ear.  To use the ear drops, warm up the bottle in your hand first. The easiest way to put them in is to tilt your head to the side or lie down. Lie on your side for 20 minutes or place a cotton ball over ear canal. Do not touch the dropper or tip to your ear or any other surface, as that can contaminate the liquid.  If you have trouble getting them in the right place, ask someone to help you. Your doctor may also prescribe acetic acid drops, which are a form of vinegar. However, they are stronger than your average household vinegar. These drops help recreate your ear's normal antibacterial state. Apply these as you did the other ear drops. If your ear infection is more severe, especially if it's moved beyond the ear, you will need to take antibiotics by mouth.  Finish the entire course of antibiotics. You should begin to feel better 36 to 48 hours after starting treatment, and completely better in 6 days. Some infections are caused by fungus instead of bacteria. In that case, you'll need to take antifungal pills rather than antibiotics.  If you are immunocompetent, Having a normal immune response topical treatment is favored over oral treatment. If your ear is inflamed, you may need to have a round of corticosteroids to help. They can also help if itching is bothering you.

What is a summary?
See your doctor if you're experiencing symptoms. Go to the emergency room or an urgent clinic. Expect the doctor to clean your ear. Use antibiotic drops. Ask about acetic acid drops. Take oral antibiotics. Ask about corticosteroids.