# What is the typical duration for an ear infection?

**URL:** <https://myhealthyhaven.org/t/what-is-the-typical-duration-for-an-ear-infection/1176>\
**Category:** Hearing, Ear Health & Tinnitus\
**Created:** [February 4, 2026, 5:33am UTC](https://myhealthyhaven.org/t/what-is-the-typical-duration-for-an-ear-infection/1176 "2026-02-04T05:33:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![liapreapae04](https://myhealthyhaven.org/user_avatar/myhealthyhaven.org/liapreapae04/32/198_2.png) [@liapreapae04](https://myhealthyhaven.org/u/liapreapae04)\
**Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 5:33am UTC](https://myhealthyhaven.org/t/what-is-the-typical-duration-for-an-ear-infection/1176/1 "2026-02-04T05:33:04Z")

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I’m 30 years old and haven’t had an ear infection since I was a young child. This started about a week ago with a scratchy throat and a minor cough. I visited urgent care and they noted some fluid in my ear. I tested negative for COVID, the flu, and strep. Three days ago, my ear started feeling like it was leaking slightly and my hearing became muffled, though there is no pain. I am currently on day three of azithromycin. The only change is that I hear crackling when I swallow, cough, or blow my nose. I have an appointment with my ENT tomorrow just to be cautious, especially since I had ear surgery at age 10 and want to ensure this heals properly. I’ve been to urgent care twice already and my primary doctor is booked for three weeks, so the ENT is my best option.

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**Author:** ![bosnuivies48](https://myhealthyhaven.org/user_avatar/myhealthyhaven.org/bosnuivies48/32/144_2.png) [@bosnuivies48](https://myhealthyhaven.org/u/bosnuivies48)\
**Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 5:41am UTC](https://myhealthyhaven.org/t/what-is-the-typical-duration-for-an-ear-infection/1176/2 "2026-02-04T05:41:02Z")

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It usually takes longer than you’d like, but that crackling sound is actually a positive indicator. I’m glad you’re heading to the ENT tomorrow.

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**Author:** ![nimble\_climber1](https://myhealthyhaven.org/user_avatar/myhealthyhaven.org/nimble_climber1/32/122_2.png) [@nimble\_climber1](https://myhealthyhaven.org/u/nimble_climber1)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 9:13pm UTC](https://myhealthyhaven.org/t/what-is-the-typical-duration-for-an-ear-infection/1176/3 "2026-02-20T21:13:07Z")

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How is your ear feeling now?