My 14m dd has had so many ear infections, I can tell she's getting one by the way she cries. Usually a day or so before the Doctor actually see's it. We're waiting for tubes to be put in. I hated the thought of her being on so many drugs but when you think of the pain their in (tylenol usually doesn't cut it), plus the sleep their loosing, antibiotics seem to be the answer.
I've read some Dr's view on letting the ear infection clear up on its own but I've never waited around long enough to see. I've also heard the eardrum could burst/pop if left untreated.
We've also tried cold medication(runny nose, stuffy nose) and nose spray (both recommended by our Ear specialist). Sometimes if you can clear up all the passages, fluid caught in behind the eardrum can drain down the tubes and might releave the pain. Maybe an option before antibiotics.
Best of Luck
MJ