Ear infections are most common in the middle ear and outer ear. Though rare, it may sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Acute otitis externa (AOE) is an infection of external ear, also known as swimmers’ ear. Infection in the middle ear is known as otitis media. Acute otitis media is caused due to bacterial infection, cold, flu, virus, ear injury, smoking and family history. Symptoms of ear infection include swelling, tenderness, pain, inflammation, nausea and hearing changes. Treatment depends upon on severity of infection, doctors may prescribe ear drops to treat the infection. To know more watch the video.