Ear Infection

What Is An Ear Infection?

An ear infection can occur in the middle, inner, or outer ear and is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The most common type of ear infection occurs in the middle ear, which is the small pocket of air located directly behind your eardrum. Another type of ear infection, called an inner ear infection, occurs further inside the ear—just past the middle ear. Outer ear infections, sometimes called swimmer’s ear, affect the outside, visible portion of the ear. 

Middle ear infections cause inflammation, fluid, and pain in the ear. They are categorized according to their severity: 

Acute Ear Infection

Painful

Short

Usually clear up with no damage to the ear

Chronic Ear Infection

Painful

Long-term or recurring

Can cause permanent damage to the ear

What Causes Ear Infections? 

Ear infections are caused when the eustachian tube, or passage between your middle ear and throat, are dysfunctional and unable to ventilate the Middle Ear or keep germs from entering the middle ear. Ear infections are usually a secondary condition caused by one of the below conditions: 

Allergies

Cold

Sinus infection

Swollen or infected adenoids

Smoking

Excessive mucus (runny nose)

What Are Symptoms Of An Ear Infection? 

Symptoms of middle and inner ear infection in adults may include: 

Ear pain

Fluid draining from ear

Loss of hearing / difficulty hearing

Children suffering from an ear infection may exhibit the following symptoms, in addition to those listed above: 

Ear pain when sleeping or lying down

Difficulty sleeping

Loss of balance

Fever

Headache

Loss of appetite

Tugging on ear

Late response to noises or speaking

What Are The Risk Factors For An Ear Infection? 

There are some conditions that make a child or adult more prone to getting an ear infection. Some risk factors include: 

Recent illness, especially cold or sinus-related illnesses

Climate changes

Altitude changes

Smoking or second-hand smoke

Use of bottles or pacifiers

Age (young children have less developed eustachian tubes)

When Should I See A Doctor For An Ear Infection? 

Consult an ear, nose and throat expert as soon as possible if any of the above listed conditions that persist for longer than 24 hours 

Bloody discharge from the ear is present

Ear pain is severe

A child is suffering from irritation or restlessness following a cold

A child has symptoms listed above and is under 6 months of age

How Does An ENT Doctor Diagnose An Ear Infection? 

As soon as symptoms are present in an adult or child, consult with an ENT to evaluate your conditions and make an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor will use a tool called an otoscope that can see deep inside your ear with a light and magnifying glass. Doctors can often detect redness, puss, drainage, or other abnormalities in the middle ear that point to an ear infection. To determine the severity of the condition, your ENT may also conduct sample fluid tests, computed tomography (CT) scans, or hearing tests. 

How Is An Ear Infection Treated? 

Ear infection treatment can range from conservative measures at home to prescription drugs or surgery, depending on the severity of the infection. Treatment options for ear infections include:

Cleaning the outer ear with a warm, wet cloth

Prescription decongestants or antibiotics, including ear drops and oral medication

More serious ear infections can lead to other health conditions, such as temporary hearing loss, and may need further treatment. It is important to see an ear, nose and throat specialist if you believe you are suffering from an acute or chronic ear infection to get a professional evaluation and treatment options.