Ear infections can have two forms – acute and chronic.  The acute form of ear infections usually involves having severe pain in the ear.  Frequently, acute ear infections involve only the outer portion or the ear or the ear canal.  This is most likely secondary to swimming and is called a so-called “swimmer’s ear.”  This does require medical treatment, as it can be serious, particularly, in people with diabetes.  Acute middle ear infections will cause hearing loss and severe pain.  It is more likely to be seen in children, but can occur in adults.  Occasionally, ear infections will follow pressure changes, such as flying in an airplane or diving in a swimming pool or simply changes in the weather.  These conditions do require medical treatment usually in the form of decongestants and antibiotics. 

Chronic ear infections usually mean that the ear has persistent drainage, which usually can be a yellowish and malodorous discharge, and it is frequently associated with a perforation.  These conditions can be dangerous in that the infection rarely can spread to the brain.  This chronic drainage usually does not cause pain, as there is already a perforation in the eardrum, but any draining ear requires medical evaluation and treatment.  Occasionally, this can be treated entirely with medications, but many cases do require a surgical intervention to get rid of the chronic infection.