What do systematic reviews say?

Antibiotic eardrops (with or without a corticosteroid) vs oral antibiotics

Antibiotic eardrops (with or without a corticosteroid) probably leads to higher resolution of ear discharge at intermediate‐term compared with oral antibiotics (moderate certainty).

• Interventions for children with ear discharge occurring at least two weeks following grommet (ventilation tube)… 2016 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  RR 1.7 [1.38, 2.08]
  1 study · 153 participants
  Moderate