What are the symptoms of middle ear infection (otitis media)? How are middle ear infections diagnosed and treated? Can middle ear infections be prevented? Explore the comprehensive guide on understanding and managing middle ear infections.

Understanding Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an inflammation and infection of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. It is a common occurrence, particularly in infants and young children, with around one in four children experiencing at least one episode by the age of 10.

Symptoms of Middle Ear Infections

The symptoms of a middle ear infection typically develop quickly and resolve within a few days. The main symptoms include:

• Earache
• High temperature (fever)
• Vomiting
• Lack of energy
• Slight hearing loss due to fluid buildup in the middle ear

In some cases, a perforated eardrum may develop, leading to a discharge of pus from the ear, and the earache may then resolve.

Recognizing Middle Ear Infections in Young Children

Identifying middle ear infections in young children can be challenging, as they are unable to communicate the source of their discomfort. Signs that a young child may have an ear infection include:

• Raised temperature
• Pulling, tugging, or rubbing the ear
• Irritability, poor feeding, or restlessness at night
• Coughing or a runny nose
• Unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of hearing difficulty
• Loss of balance

When to Seek Medical Advice

In most cases, middle ear infections resolve within a few days without the need for medical intervention. However, it is recommended to seek medical advice if:

• Symptoms show no sign of improvement after two or three days
• There is a significant amount of pain
• There is a discharge of pus or fluid from the ear
• The individual has an underlying health condition that could increase the risk of complications

Diagnosing Middle Ear Infections

To diagnose a middle ear infection, a healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination, including using an otoscope to inspect the eardrum and middle ear. They may also use other diagnostic tests, such as tympanometry, to assess the function of the middle ear.

Treating Middle Ear Infections

In most cases, middle ear infections resolve on their own within three to five days and do not require specific treatment. However, if necessary, the following may be recommended:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever
• Antibiotics, which may be prescribed if symptoms persist or are particularly severe

It is important to ensure that any painkillers given to a child are appropriate for their age.

Causes and Risk Factors of Middle Ear Infections

Middle ear infections are typically caused by an underlying infection, such as a cold, which leads to a buildup of mucus in the middle ear and swelling or blockage of the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and allows for the drainage of fluid. Certain conditions, such as a cleft palate or Down’s syndrome, can also increase the risk of middle ear infections.

Younger children are particularly vulnerable to middle ear infections, as their Eustachian tubes are smaller, and their adenoids (soft tissue at the back of the throat) are relatively larger compared to adults.

Preventing Middle Ear Infections

While it is not possible to completely prevent middle ear infections, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk:

• Breastfeeding, which can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of respiratory infections
• Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase the risk of respiratory infections
• Treating any underlying conditions, such as a cleft palate or Down’s syndrome, that may increase the risk of middle ear infections
• Considering the removal of enlarged adenoids, if they are contributing to persistent or frequent ear infections

In summary, middle ear infections are a common and often temporary condition, particularly in infants and young children. By understanding the symptoms, seeking medical advice when necessary, and taking steps to prevent infections, individuals can better manage and minimize the impact of middle ear infections.

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

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About middle ear infections

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum.

Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between six and 15 months old are most commonly affected.

It’s estimated that around one in every four children experience at least one middle ear infection by the time they’re 10 years old.

Symptoms of a middle ear infection

In most cases, the symptoms of a middle ear infection (otitis media) develop quickly and resolve in a few days. This is known as acute otitis media. The main symptoms include:

• earache
• a high temperature (fever)
• being sick
• a lack of energy
• slight hearing loss – if the middle ear becomes filled with fluid

In some cases, a hole may develop in the eardrum (perforated eardrum) and pus may run out of the ear. The earache, which is caused by the build-up of fluid stretching the eardrum, then resolves.

Signs in young children

As babies are unable to communicate the source of their discomfort, it can be difficult to tell what’s wrong with them. Signs that a young child might have an ear infection include:

• raised temperature
• pulling, tugging or rubbing their ear
• irritability, poor feeding or restlessness at night
• coughing or a runny nose
• unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of difficulty hearing, such as inattentiveness
• loss of balance

When to seek medical advice

Most cases of otitis media pass within a few days, so there’s usually no need to see your GP.

However, see your GP if you or your child have:

• symptoms showing no sign of improvement after two or three days
• a lot of pain
• a discharge of pus or fluid from the ear – some people develop a persistent and painless ear discharge that lasts for many months, known as chronic suppurative otitis media
• an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease, which could make complications more likely

Read more about diagnosing middle ear infections

How middle ear infections are treated

Most ear infections clear up within three to five days and don’t need any specific treatment. If necessary, paracetamol or ibuprofen should be used to relieve pain and a high temperature.

Make sure any painkillers you give to your child are appropriate for their age. Read more about giving your child painkillers.

Antibiotics aren’t routinely used to treat middle ear infections, although they may occasionally be prescribed if symptoms persist or are particularly severe.

Read more about treating middle ear infections

What causes middle ear infections?

Most middle ear infections occur when an infection such as a cold, leads to a build-up of mucus in the middle ear and causes the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose) to become swollen or blocked.

This mean mucus can’t drain away properly, making it easier for an infection to spread into the middle ear.

An enlarged adenoid (soft tissue at the back of the throat) can also block the Eustachian tube. The adenoid can be removed if it causes persistent or frequent ear infections. Read more about removing adenoids.

Younger children are particularly vulnerable to middle ear infections as:

• the Eustachian tube is smaller in children than in adults
• a child’s adenoids are relatively much larger than an adults

Certain conditions can also increase the risk of middle ear infections, including:

• having a cleft palate – a type of birth defect where a child has a split in the roof of their mouth
• having Down’s syndrome – a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and a characteristic range of physical features

Can middle ear infections be prevented?

It’s not possible to prevent middle ear infections, but there are some things you can do that may reduce your child’s risk of developing the condition. These include:

• make sure your child is up-to-date with their routine vaccinations – particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (6-in-1) vaccine
• avoid exposing your child to smoky environments (passive smoking)
• don’t give your child a dummy once they’re older than six to 12 months old
• don’t feed your child while they’re lying flat on their back
• if possible, feed your baby with breast milk rather than formula milk

Avoiding contact with other children who are unwell may also help reduce your child’s chances of catching an infection that could lead to a middle ear infection.

Further problems

Complications of middle ear infections are fairly rare, but can be serious if they do occur.

Most complications are the result of the infection spreading to another part of the ear or head, including:

• the bones behind the ear (mastoiditis)
• the inner ear (labyrinthitis)
• the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)

Rarely, infections can leave a perforation or hole in the eardrum.

If complications do develop, they often need to be treated immediately with antibiotics in hospital.

Read more about the complications of middle ear infections

Diagnosing middle ear infections

A middle ear infection (otitis media) can usually be diagnosed using an instrument called an otoscope.

An otoscope is a small handheld device with a magnifying glass and a light source at the end. Using an otoscope, a doctor can examine the ear to look for signs of fluid in the middle ear, which may indicate an infection.

Signs of fluid in the middle ear can include the ear drum:

• bulging
• being an unusual colour (usually red or yellow)
• having a cloudy appearance

In some cases, a hole may have developed in the eardrum (perforated ear drum) and there may be fluid in the ear canal (the tube between the outer ear and eardrum).

Some otoscopes can also be used to blow a small puff of air into the ear to check for any blockages in the middle ear, which could be a sign of an infection. If the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the throat and middle ear) is clear, the eardrum will move slightly. If it’s blocked, the eardrum will remain still.

Further tests

Further tests are normally only required if treatment isn’t working or complications develop. These tests will usually be carried out at your local ear, nose and throat (ENT) department.

Some of the tests that may be carried out are described below.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a test that measures how the ear drum reacts to changes in air pressure.

During a tympanometry test, a probe is placed into your child’s ear. The probe changes the air pressure at regular intervals while transmitting a sound into the ear. A measuring device is attached to the probe to record how the drum moves and how changes in air pressure affect this movement.

A healthy ear drum should move easily if there’s a change in air pressure. If your child’s ear drum moves slowly or not at all, it usually suggests there’s fluid behind it.

Audiometry

Audiometry is a hearing test that uses a machine called an audiometer to produce sounds of different volume and frequency. This can help determine if your child has any hearing loss as a result of their condition.

During the test, your child listens through headphones and is asked if they can hear the sounds.

Scans

On the very rare occasions where there’s a possibility the infection has spread out of the middle ear and into the surrounding area, a scan of the ear may be carried out. This may be either a:

• computerised tomography (CT) scan
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

A CT scan takes a series of X-rays and uses a computer to assemble the scans into a more detailed image, whereas an MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the inside of the body.

Treating middle ear infections

Most middle ear infections (otitis media) clear up within three to five days and don’t need any specific treatment.

You can relieve any pain and a high temperature using over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Make sure any painkillers you give to your child are appropriate for their age.

Placing a warm flannel or washcloth over the affected ear may also help relieve pain until the condition passes.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics aren’t routinely used to treat middle ear infections as there’s no evidence that they speed up the healing process. Many cases are caused by viruses, which antibiotics aren’t effective against.

Using antibiotics to treat minor bacterial infections also increases the likelihood of bacteria becoming resistant to them over time. This means more serious infections could become untreatable in the future. Read about antibiotic resistance for more information.

If antibiotics are needed, a five-day course of an antibiotic called amoxicillin is usually prescribed. This is often given as a liquid. Common side effects of amoxicillin include: 

• a rash
• feeling sick
• diarrhoea

An alternative antibiotic such as erythromycin or clarithromycin may be used for people allergic to amoxicillin.

In some cases, your GP may give you a prescription that you can choose to pick up a few days later if the condition hasn’t improved by then.

Adults and children who develop a long-term middle ear infection (chronic suppurative otitis media) may benefit from short courses of antibiotic ear drops.

Children

Antibiotics are usually only considered if your child:

• has a serious health condition that makes them more vulnerable to complications, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease
• is less than three months old
• is less than two years old with an infection in both ears
• has discharge coming from their ear

Adults 

Adults may be prescribed antibiotics if:

• they have a serious health condition that makes them more vulnerable to complications, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease
• symptoms are showing no signs of improvement after four days

Grommets

For children with recurrent severe middle ear infections, tiny tubes may be inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid. These tubes are called grommets.

Grommets are inserted under general anaesthetic, which means your child will be asleep and won’t feel any pain. The procedure usually only takes about 15 minutes and your child should be able to go home the same day.

A grommet helps keep the eardrum open for several months. As the eardrum starts to heal, the grommet will slowly be pushed out of the eardrum and eventually falls out. This process happens naturally and shouldn’t be painful. Most grommets fall out within six to 12 months of being inserted.

Some children need another procedure to replace the grommets if they’re still experiencing problems.

Treatment with grommets isn’t routinely funded in all areas or for adults with recurrent otitis media.

Complications of middle ear infections

Serious complications of middle ear infections (otitis media) are very rare but very young children are still at risk because their immune systems are still developing.

Some of the main complications associated with middle ear infections are detailed below.

Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis can develop if an infection spreads out of the middle ear and into the area of bone underneath the ear (the mastoids).

Symptoms of mastoiditis can include:

• a high temperature (fever)
• swelling behind the ear, which pushes it forward 
• redness and tenderness or pain behind the ear
• a creamy discharge from the ear 
• headache
• hearing loss

Mastoiditis is usually treated in hospital with antibiotics given through a drip directly into a vein (intravenously). In some cases, surgery may be required to drain the ear and remove the infected mastoid bone.

Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells inside the ear that can sometimes develop as a result of recurring or persistent middle ear infections.

If it’s not treated, a cholesteatoma can eventually damage the delicate structures deep inside your ear, such as the tiny bones that are essential for hearing.

Symptoms of a cholesteatoma can include:

• hearing loss
• weakness in half your face
• dizziness
• tinnitus – hearing sounds from inside their body rather than from an outside source

In most cases, surgery is required to remove a cholesteatoma.

Labyrinthitis

In some cases, an infection in the middle ear can spread into the inner ear and affect the delicate structure deep inside the ear called the labyrinth. This is known as labyrinthitis.

Symptoms of labyrinthitis can include:

• dizziness
• vertigo (the feeling that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning)
• loss of balance
• hearing loss

The symptoms of labyrinthitis usually pass within a few weeks, although medication to relieve the symptoms and treat the underlying infection may sometimes be prescribed. Read more about treating labyrinthitis.

Problems with speech and language development

If your child has frequent ear infections that affect their hearing while they’re very young, there’s a risk their speech and language development may be affected.

Contact your GP for advice if you’re concerned about your child’s development at any point.

Facial paralysis

In very rare cases, the swelling associated with otitis media can cause the facial nerve to become compressed. The facial nerve is a section of nerve that runs through the skull and is used by the brain to control facial expressions.

Compression of the nerve can lead to a person being unable to move some or all of their face. This is known as facial paralysis.

This can be frightening when it first occurs, as many parents are concerned their child may have experienced a stroke. However, the condition usually resolves once the underlying infection has passed and rarely causes any long-term problems.

Meningitis

A very rare and serious complication of a middle ear infection is meningitis. This can occur if the infection spreads to the protective outer layer of the brain and spinal cord (the meninges).

Symptoms of meningitis can include:

• severe headache
• being sick
• a high temperature (fever)
• stiff neck
• sensitivity to light
• rapid breathing
• a blotchy red rash that does not fade or change colour when you place a glass against it (although this is not always present)

If you think your child may have meningitis, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Meningitis caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated in hospital with antibiotics given through a drip directly into a vein (intravenously). Read more about treating meningitis.

Brain abscess

Another very rare and serious complication of a middle ear infection is a brain abscess. This is a pus-filled swelling that develops inside the brain.

Symptoms of a brain abscess can include:

• a severe headache
• changes in mental state, such as confusion
• weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• a high temperature (fever)
• seizures (fits) 

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a brain abscess, call 999 for an ambulance.

A brain abscess is usually treated using a combination of antibiotics and surgery. The surgeon will usually open the skull and drain the pus from the abscess or remove the abscess entirely.

Types of ear infections: Causes, symptoms & how to get help

Your ear has been itchy ever since you swam in that smelly pool. Your toddler has been tugging on their ear for the last week. Your elderly mother, who’s just recovered from pneumonia, has ear pain and is feeling dizzy. Are these all signs of ear infections?

They can be. Different types of ear infections have varying symptoms and affect people in different ways. Read on for answers about ear pain, itchy ears, the difference between viral and bacterial ear infections, and more.

What causes an ear infection?

Ear infections start when fluid containing bacteria or viruses get trapped in your ear. Over time, these trapped germs can grow into an ear infection.

These germs often come from other illnesses that cause swelling and congestion in your nasal passages and throat. That’s why symptoms of ear infections can show up 2-7 days after the beginning of a cold or upper respiratory infection. But these germs can also come from water that you swim or bathe in.

Are ear infections contagious?

No, but viruses and bacteria that cause ear infections can spread from one person to another. In other words, you can’t give someone your ear infection, but you can spread the germs that caused it.

Can an ear infection be a sign of COVID-19?

There’s no clinical data that shows a connection between ear infections and COVID-19. However, it’s possible that newer strains of COVID-19 may affect people in different ways.

Although COVID-19 and ear infections can cause fever and headache, with COVID-19 you don’t usually get ear pain, hearing loss or fluid drainage from the ear. Also, keep in mind that it’s possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time – and viral ear infections can sometimes be caused by the flu.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Fluid and germs can get stuck in the outer, inner or middle part of the ear, causing different types of ear infections and symptoms.

Outer ear infections

An external ear infection is often referred to as swimmer’s ear. It’s possible for bacteria to grow in the water that’s left in your ear after swimming or bathing. This normally isn’t a problem. But, if you have a scratch or sore on your ear, it can lead to a bacterial infection.

Common outer ear infection symptoms

• Redness on the outer ear
• Itchiness
• Ear pain and congestion
• Yellow or yellow-green discharge
• Swollen ear or neck
• Hearing changes or loss
• Fever, usually between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit

Inner ear infections

This type of ear infection, also known as labyrinthitis, happens when your inner ear gets swollen or irritated because of a cold, flu, allergies or another condition such as meningitis.

Common inner ear infection symptoms

• Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
• Ear pain
• Balance issues
• Hearing changes or loss

Middle ear infections

Middle ear infections are known as otitis media. They are the most common type of ear infection, especially in children. Middle ear infections usually happen when the Eustachian tubes that connect your ears to your throat are swollen from a cold, flu or allergies.

When your Eustachian tubes are working normally, they drain fluid from the middle ear. But if they’re swollen because you’re sick, the fluid can’t drain. Instead, that fluid collects behind your eardrum and makes it more likely for germs to grow into an ear infection.

It’s also possible for swollen adenoids (lumps of tissue in the back of the nose) to prevent ear fluid from draining. If the adenoids are enlarged or irritated, they can block the opening of the Eustachian tubes.

Common middle ear infection symptoms

• Ear pain
• Fever, usually between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Headaches
• Fluid coming from the ear
• Hearing changes or loss
• Balance issues
• Sore throat

Sometimes people can have symptoms of a middle ear infection such as hearing loss without actually having an infection. This is caused by inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. Hearing usually goes back to normal once the fluid drains – which could take weeks. Learn about hearing tests and when to get them.

How can I tell if my infant or child has an ear infection?

If your little one has an ear infection, they won’t be able to tell you in words, but you’ll likely be able to tell through their actions. Chances are, they’ll:

• Be fussy
• Pull at their ears and cry
• Have trouble sleeping
• Have a fever, usually between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit

How do you know if an ear infection is viral or bacterial?

It can be difficult to tell, at least in the beginning. If you or your child is recovering from a virus (cold or flu), it’s probably more likely you’re dealing with a viral ear infection. If strep throat or pneumonia has been in the house, there’s a greater chance that it’s bacterial. But that’s not always the case.

Symptoms are similar with viral and bacterial infections. One difference is you have a higher fever with a bacterial ear infection. However, fevers can also happen with viral infections.

Often, it’s a bit of a waiting game. If the ear infection goes away on its own within a week or so, you can assume it was caused by a virus. If it isn’t improving after a week, it might be a bacterial infection and you should definitely seek medical treatment.

Who is most likely to get an ear infection?

Anyone can get an ear infection. But you’re more likely to get ear infections if you have allergies or other conditions that cause congestion. You may also get more ear infections if you have a weakened immune system and are often sick.

A person’s anatomy can also increase their chance of getting an ear infection. That’s why ear infections are more common in young children and in people with birth defects or medical conditions, such as cleft palate or Down syndrome.

Ear infections in children

Why do children get ear infections?

Infants and young children between 3 months old and 3 years old are much more likely to get ear infections than adults. In fact, most children will have at least one ear infection. The main reasons are:

• Differences in Eustachian tubes. These tubes in your ears are shorter and narrower when you’re younger, so it’s easier for them to become blocked. Additionally, the tubes in infants and young children are usually more horizonal than those in adults which means that it’s harder for fluid to drain.
• Their developing immune system. When infants are about 6 months old, they start losing some of the immunity they were born with. At the same time, babies start becoming more social, sharing both toys and germs. Breastfeeding is one effective way to help strengthen your child’s immune system.

What can increase your child’s risk for ear infections?

• Being exposed to cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke irritates the Eustachian tubes and causes them to swell.
• Lying flat while bottle feeding. Milk or formula can travel up the Eustachian tubes, causing irritation and swelling.
• Pacifier use. Using a pacifier can affect how the Eustachian tubes work. But using a pacifier can be helpful in safe sleep for babies and preventing sudden infant death syndrome. So, talk to your doctor about when your baby should stop using a pacifier – most of the time it’s when they’re about 6 months old.
• Being in a large childcare center. More kids mean more germs, making it more likely that your child could get repeat ear infections.

Ear infections in adults

What risk factors make certain adults more likely to get an ear infection?

Adults with weakened immune systems and certain medical conditions may be more likely to get ear infections. For example, if you have diabetes, it can cause an inflammatory response throughout your body – including your middle and inner ear. Having skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis may also increase the chance that you get an outer ear infection.

How long do ear infections last?

In many cases, ear infections clear up in a couple of weeks without treatment. But some ear infections can last for months.

So why do some ear infections last longer than others? The reasons include your health, the location of the infection and what’s causing the infection. Inner ear infections tend to stick around longer than infections of the middle or outer ear. And infections caused by bacteria usually last longer than ones caused by viruses.

When is an ear infection considered to be chronic?

If an ear infection lasts for more than three months, it’s considered chronic. If chronic ear infections aren’t treated, it can lead to hearing loss and other serious problems. In children, chronic ear infections can affect their ability to achieve developmental milestones, like walking and talking.

Is a chronic ear infection curable?

If your child has an ear infection for a few months and it’s affecting their ability to hear, your doctor may recommend a minor surgery to put in ear tubes for chronic ear infections.

During ear tube surgery, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor inserts small plastic or metal tubes into the eardrum. These tubes help drain the built-up fluid that can cause ear infections. Ear tubes usually fall out on their own within about a year.

What are recurring ear infections?

People of all ages can get frequent ear infections, but they are especially common in children – about 25% of children experience repeat ear infections. If you or your child has three or more ear infections in a six-month period or four within one year, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Are recurrent ear infections curable?

Your doctor may recommend ear tube surgery to make it less likely for you or your child to get future ear infections.

Your doctor may also suggest a tonsillectomy as a treatment for infected tonsils and adenoids. This surgery involves removing lumps of tissue from the back of your nose and throat. Getting a tonsillectomy may make it easier for fluid to drain from your ears, reducing the chance of trapped fluid that can cause an ear infection. A tonsillectomy is usually only recommended when antibiotics and ear tubes don’t work.

What should I do about an ear infection?

If it’s only been a couple of days and the only symptom has been ear pain, you don’t need to head to the doctor right away. Because many ear infections go away on their own, it’s likely your doctor will want to wait and see how the symptoms improve before providing prescription medicines.

In the meantime, focus on getting lots of rest. Sleeping strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off infections and other sickness.

If the ear infection is causing pain or discomfort, there are treatments for ear infections you can try at home. One of the simplest is using a warm compress to dull the pain. Just soak a washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess water and then hold it against the infected ear for up to 20 minutes. If it helps, reapply the compress throughout the day.

If your child is over 3 months old, an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also help with the pain – just make sure you’re using an age-appropriate dose. If you have questions, contact your doctor or nurse line.

When should I go to the doctor for an ear infection?

While many ear infections can be treated at home, some need medical attention. You’ll want to talk to a doctor or nurse if:

• Your baby has a fever, especially if they are younger than 3 months old, or if your older baby’s temperature is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The ear infection symptoms aren’t getting better after a couple of days.
• There’s fluid draining from the ear.
• You or your child is experiencing changes or loss of hearing.
• The infection has lasted for more than six weeks.
• You or your child is experiencing frequent or recurrent ear infections.

However you want to talk to us, we’re all ears

We’re here to make sure you get the care you need, day or night. Here are care options that may work based on your needs:

Nurse Line

If you’re wondering what to do about your baby’s fever or how to manage minor ear infection symptoms, a great place is to start is with the HealthPartners CareLine. Our members and patients can call us 24/7 day at 800-551-0859 or 952-993-4665.

Virtuwell visit

You can start an online Virtuwell visit any time, day or night to get an ear infection diagnosis and treatment plan for yourself or a child over age 5. In general, the doctor will prescribe a treatment plan that’s a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. In some cases, they’ll prescribe antibiotics for adults. They’ll also prescribe kids antibiotics for swimmer’s ear.

In-person or video visit with your primary care doctor

You can also schedule a virtual appointment with the doctor that usually cares for you or your child. They’ll have the best information about your family’s health and what treatments may be appropriate. If necessary, your child’s primary care doctor can prescribe antibiotics and recommend additional treatments.

Keep in mind that if it’s only been a couple days since the ear infection started, you may not get a prescription for antibiotics. Your doctor will likely recommend treating the ear infection with OTC pain relievers and scheduling another appointment after a week or so. If you start with a video visit, it’s also possible that the doctor may want to see you or your child in person.

Types and symptoms of ear diseases, what hearing diseases are

Contents:

• How ear diseases are diagnosed
• Treatment of diseases of the ear

Types and symptoms of ear diseases

Almost all ear diseases, inflammatory, non-inflammatory, fungal, caused by trauma, have a similar clinical picture.

Eustachitis

This is an inflammatory disease of the auditory canal (it is called the Eustachian tube), which has an infectious nature. Due to inflammation, air exchange in the ear cavity is disturbed, which leads to otitis media.

The disease manifests itself as:

• pain and discomfort;
• sensation of the presence of fluid in the auditory canal;
• hearing loss;

90,007 indistinct noises and crackles in the inflamed ear.

If the process continues to develop and passes into the purulent stage, the temperature rises. All symptoms are worse when the person is in motion.

Mastoiditis

It is also an inflammatory disease and has an infectious nature. Inflammation of the inner ear often develops as a complication of the pathological process in the ear canal.

Symptoms are more intense:

• temperature rises sharply and reaches 39.0 – 39.5 degrees;
• general health worsens: weakness occurs, signs of intoxication increase;
• there is a throbbing pain, accompanied by hearing loss;
• appears purulent discharge;
• The outer part of the ear is swollen.

One of the obvious and early signs of mastoiditis is dizziness that appears without warning, suddenly.

Meniere’s disease

Disease, the main manifestation of which is increased pressure in the ear labyrinth. Because of it, the normal functioning of blood vessels is disrupted, so fluid gradually accumulates in the labyrinth. Why there is increased pressure in this area has not yet been fully elucidated. The disease can be stopped, but it is not yet possible to achieve a complete cure.

Main symptoms:

• paroxysmal sudden hearing loss;
• dizziness;
• imbalance, nausea;
• tinnitus is regular;
• Loud noise increases discomfort.

Neuritis of the auditory nerve (cochlear neuritis)

It occurs frequently and almost always acquires a chronic course. The inflammatory process affects the nerve plexuses of the inner ear. Symptoms are hearing impairment and the appearance of “extra” noise in the form of rustling. It is usually diagnosed in people over 50 years of age. A serious complication of the disease is necrosis, leading to progressive deafness that cannot be cured.

Otitis and tympanitis

Otitis is a group of infectious and inflammatory pathological processes affecting various parts of the ear. Tympanitis is a type of otitis media that affects the eardrum. Otitis media is often diagnosed in children and the elderly. Otitis is divided according to the place of occurrence into external, middle and internal. The latter sometimes has its own name – labyrinthite.

Symptoms of otitis media:

• sharp pain and throbbing, aggravated by moving the jaw;
• fever, feeling unwell, lethargy;
• stuffiness in the ear;
• may cause short-term hearing loss;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

If there are complications, the process becomes purulent (mesotympanitis), sometimes it also affects the bone tissue (epithympanitis).

Otomycosis

Disease caused by fungi (mold, yeast-like). Fungal infection is characteristic of the outer or middle sections. The first stage is asymptomatic, then the clinical picture becomes more pronounced.

• Worried about persistent itching;
• painful sores appear, sometimes with suppuration;
• there is a headache on the side of the affected ear;
• discharge appears, there is a feeling of congestion;
• pinna painful and sensitive.

Diagnosis of otomycosis is often made with metabolic problems such as diabetes, after chemotherapy sessions, with HIV status that causes a decline in immunity.

Otosclerosis

Refers to hereditary family pathologies. When the disease affects the bone tissue in the inner ear. It is diagnosed more often in premenopausal women, but the initial manifestations can be observed at a younger age. If not treated, it will lead to irreversible bilateral hearing loss.

Signs indicating possible atherosclerosis:

• gradual hearing loss without clear cause;
• appearance of tinnitus, or only in one ear;
• occasional dizziness;
• in a noisier environment, the patient begins to hear better;
• imbalances appear.

If you experience several of the above symptoms, you need to see an otolaryngologist.

Otogenic sepsis

A complication that occurs if purulent inflammation in the middle ear area becomes further widespread. The infection enters the general blood flow through the lymphatic vessels.

The complication is more common in young people. Symptoms increase sharply:

• temperature jumps;
• chilliness alternating with excessive sweating;
• worried about tachycardia, shortness of breath;
• there is a lack of appetite;
• health deteriorates sharply.

This condition is a medical emergency. For urgent surgical intervention, the patient is urgently hospitalized in the clinic.

Ear plug

This is the name of a thick clot of earwax. It can clog the ear canal, which will lead to the following unpleasant manifestations:

• a foreign body is felt in the ear, congestion worries;
• hearing loss;
• cough and yawning may occur;
• sometimes there is discomfort similar to motion sickness while driving.

It is not uncommon for these symptoms to appear after bathing, as the clot of earwax swells with water and can block the passage.

Ear injuries

The eardrum can be damaged if the pressure drops too quickly. This can happen in the air, or in water at a sufficient depth. Sometimes the eardrum is damaged by strong acoustic vibrations – very loud sounds and strong noises. Damage causes bleeding and pain. If the eardrum is damaged mechanically, for example, with a sharp object, or when struck, dizziness and ringing in the ear occur.

An ear injury is characterized by a short-term severe hearing loss.

Development of neoplasms of various nature is possible. The tumor appears in the region of the auricle, or near it, the occurrence of a tumor in another department is a very rare phenomenon. Neoplasms grow slowly and are usually painless.

How are ear diseases diagnosed? The otolaryngologist examines the outer part of the ear, and if this is not enough for diagnosis, he prescribes instrumental and hardware studies.

• Otoscopy is a painless method of examining the outer ear using an otoscope. This is an instrument that looks like a tube with a light. It helps to reveal hidden infections, injuries, and also to detect a foreign body.
• Tympanometry is an acoustic method for studying the functionality of the auditory tube and the mobility of the ossicles in the middle ear.
• Audiometry – a test for the study of hearing acuity. It is carried out by an audiologist on a computer.
• X-ray of the ear and temporal bone – recommended for inflammatory pathologies. Helps to identify pathological changes in the inner ear.
• ultrasound.
• Computed tomography.
• Bacterial culture is performed for discharge and suspected bacterial infection. It detects the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics, which allows you to choose the best therapy. In chronic ear infections, a complete blood count is prescribed.

Treatment of ear diseases

In the Bibirevo Central Clinic, the treatment regimen is selected by an otolaryngologist after a thorough diagnosis. Self-medication is not applicable. The main goal of complex treatment is to eliminate inflammation, remove pain. If the disease is chronic, it is important to extend the period of remission.

The following groups of drugs are prescribed for the treatment of ear diseases:

• Antibiotics in the form of tablets or drops (if a bacterial infection is detected).
• Analgesics.
• Antiseptic solutions for washing the affected ear.
• Anti-inflammatory ointments that are placed in the ear canal with the help of turundas.
• Nasopharyngeal vasoconstrictor drops.
• Hormonal preparations (for medical reasons).

Physiotherapeutic procedures are effective, but they are used only after the acute period of the disease has been removed. Physiotherapy is prescribed only by a doctor. If a fungal disease is diagnosed, thermal procedures and physiotherapy are prohibited. If ear problems are caused by a sulfur plug, manipulations are applied to make it softer.

If a purulent process is detected, surgery is most often prescribed.

To eliminate hearing loss, tympanoplasty is prescribed: a microsurgical manipulation that restores sound conductivity.

Prosthetics are offered for complex and advanced cases with significant hearing loss.

An otolaryngologist should be visited once a year, especially when there is a tendency to otitis and other inflammatory phenomena.

If you have a history of hearing loss in your family, you should see your doctor regularly after age 40.

Panova Natalya Alekseevna

Otolaryngologist (ENT)
Work experience — 40 years

An article about what ear diseases and treatment methods are

The human hearing aid is a complex system and therefore very vulnerable to a large number of different problems. And since the ears are responsible not only for the perception of sounds, but also for the support of the vestibular apparatus, frequent cases of dizziness are a sign of problems with the inner ear, and in rare cases, drops in blood pressure.

There are a huge number of different ear diseases, among which there are 4 main categories:

• traumatic
• fungal
• non-inflammatory
• inflammatory

If any discomfort appears in the ears, you should immediately consult a specialist, as this may be the first symptom of some dangerous disease, which is much easier to cure before the general condition worsens.

Traumatic diseases of the ear

The causes of diseases in this category are injuries to the auricle or the inside of the ear. Injuries are divided into several types: mechanical, thermal, chemical, according to the degree of damage – into superficial and deep. Deep injuries differ from superficial ones in the degree of damage to the bones and cartilage of the hearing aid.

Injuries of the auricle

Superficial injuries of the auricle are the result of bruises, blows, cuts and light bites of insects and animals. In severe cases, damage to the auricle can lead to its partial or complete separation.

Injuries of the tympanic membrane

Such damage occurs after a sharp change in pressure in the ear canal. The reason for such changes is the depressurization of the ear canal due to impact, fall, sudden immersion in water, decompression. In addition, the eardrum can be damaged due to trauma to the skull.

Fungal diseases

Causes of fungal diseases (otomycosis) are infectious pathogens that affect the inside of the hearing aid, which can affect people of any age.

Causes of fungal diseases

The development of otomycosis can be triggered by damage to the ear canals. Fungal diseases can develop against the background of reduced immunity, since it is more difficult for a weakened body to resist infectious and inflammatory processes. Often there are cases of the development of such pathologies in people suffering from diabetes.

Symptoms of fungal diseases of the ears

These symptoms may indicate the onset of inflammatory processes of fungal diseases, which may vary in intensity depending on the type of ear infection:

• causeless tinnitus
• severe and prolonged itching
• stuffy ears
• liquid discharge from the external auditory canal
• plugging and crusting
• discomfort in the ears

At the beginning of the course of treatment, the cause of this disease is established, after which the doctor focuses on the treatment of the disease: the outer part of the ear is cleaned with cotton swabs and glycerin, and a course of vitamins is prescribed to improve immunity and metabolic processes in the body.

Non-inflammatory diseases of the ear

Most often, people suffer from these non-inflammatory types of ear diseases:

• Otosclerosis of the ear is a hereditary disease that causes lesions and changes in part of the ear bone. Most often, this disease is treated with surgery, otherwise the patient may lose up to 90% of hearing
• Meniere’s disease. Causes fluid to accumulate in the inner ear, which adversely affects the hearing aid. It is worth paying attention to sudden attacks of nausea, tinnitus and dizziness, poor functioning of the vestibular apparatus – all these are symptoms of Meniere’s disease
• Neuritis of the vestibulocochlear nerve is a very severe pathology that can lead to hearing loss

How non-inflammatory conditions are treated

There are several popular and high-tech methods of treating ear diseases in humans:

• laser treatment
• ultrasound treatment
• radio wave therapy
• endoscopy
• cryosurgery

A professional, using modern equipment, can cure almost any disease of the hearing aid and restore lost hearing.

Inflammatory diseases of the hearing aid

A common cause of chronic diseases is inflammation. Diseases to which they are characteristic:

• otitis externa
• otitis media
• otitis media
• labyrinthite

Otitis is an extremely unpleasant disease in which an abscess or purulent boil forms in the ear. These formations can cause pathological processes in the inner part of the ear. Similar inflammations appear after viral or infectious diseases.

Otitis symptoms:

• pain and itching in the ear canal (first symptoms)
• hearing loss
• suppuration and redness of the ears
• high temperature
• with a purulent form of otitis media, purulent-bloody discharge appears.

For the treatment of otitis media use:

• disinfection of affected areas
• anti-inflammatory treatments
• rinsing the ear with furatsilin or boric acid
• course of antibiotics
• warming compress

Rapid and prompt treatment of ear diseases can save a person from complete hearing loss without complicated procedures.