Seeing is believing-two cases of pediatric ear infection

Leo Little, a 14 month old boy has been prescribed seven separate antibiotics for ear infections occurring with increased frequency of colds after entering daycare. Leo's mother brought him into see me with a fever and right sided ear infection which had already been prescribed another round of antibiotics. The pediatricians next step is recommendation of tubal insertion. Based on experience, an examination of the ear in a case such as this should show redness and inflammation, and young patients are often driven to pulling on the ear. However, I could not see any of these signs. Inspection showed enough ear wax build up to obstructing the ear drum completely. It is odd to me how a doctor could diagnose an ear infection without ability to visually access the patients site of infection.  

Leo Jumbo, a 7 year old boy was brought in by his mom due to high fever and coughing for three days. During initial exam, he appeared very sick, tired, with dry lips and frequent dry cough. Based on the information and his ear temperature and color, it appeared he was experiencing an infection of his right ear. His mother immediately said there was no infection according to the pediatrician. I wondered how the pediatrician ruled out ear infection without seeing the fact. Yet again another patient involving ear wax completely obstructing the ear canal, this time prohibiting diagnosis of ear infection. Using tweezers I removed a few large pieces of wax and was able to conclude he was indeed suffering from an ear infection. Mom was shocked. I used some simple acupuncture points and bled his right ear where small veins protruded due to his high fever. The acupuncture in combination with some Chinese herbs made him feel instant relief and his fever decreased. Leo felt good enough to play soccer the next day.