I don't know about infections ,
but i place a warm washcloth against my head/ear when it is bothering me.

I have been known to warm up peroxide - not too hot!
and let a few drops of the warm stuff into my ear with a cotton ball.
I let it bubble and then tip my head to drain it all out.

but that's just me - done it for the kids & dh too when they had ear aches