Question: I keep getting ear infections, and I’m sick of running to the doctor. Can I treat an ear infection myself?
NO! Once you have an ear infection it is important to obtain medical attention as soon as possible. This is because untreated infections can spread throughout the ear and cause a more serious infections in surrounding tissue.
Treatment of an outer ear infection involves cleaning the ear of any wax or debris (don’t try to do this yourself either) that may be present in the canal, so that the ear can dry out. Antibiotic drops or ointment are then prescribed. In difficult cases, a wick (piece of light material) soaked in an ointment may be put in the ear, and antibiotic tablets may be given.
Middle ear infections always require antibiotic tablets, and constant medical supervision to ensure that the infection has cleared and no damage has been done to the ear. It is important that anyone with recurrent infections is treated adequately, because each infection can injure the ear and eventually cause permanent damage.

Question: I have had vestibular neuronitis ror 17 months, which causes dizziness that comes for a few weeks and then goes again. What causes the dizziness to come and go?
Vestibular neuronitis is an inflammation of the balance mechanism in the inner ear. It often follows a viral infection or fever, and causes sudden, intermittent attacks of dizziness. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment, but a number of medications can be tried to reduce the severity of the dizziness when it occurs. Most cases settle spontaneously with time, and the younger you are, the sooner you can expect the problem to disappear. Only rarely is it permanent.
I cannot specifically explain why the attacks come and go, but the recurrence of an attack may be associated with a period when you are overtired, run down, or suffering from a minor viral illness.