An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum, which contains the smallest vibrating bones of the ear. Though ear infections are more common in children, adults are also susceptible to infections. Ear infections often get settled on their own in children, but adult ear infections can at times signal a more severe health condition. A few people are prone to having multiple ear infections that can result in hearing issues and other severe complications.

Winter season triggers ear infections in most people of all age groups. Many people are often diagnosed with middle and inner ear infections, which are usually caused by an infection from a bacteria or virus.
Ear infection

Read this article to know about ear infections, including symptoms, causes and available treatment.

Also Read: Ear Infections In Kids Are Common, Learn About Prevention

Symptoms

There are 3 types of ear infections, which correspond to the three main regions of the ear: inner, middle, and outer.

Inner Ear Infection: It may be caused due to inflammation and not an infection. Ear pain is the common symptom, others include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vertigo
  • Sudden hearing loss

An inner ear infection may be in very rare cases a sign of a serious health condition like meningitis.

Middle Ear Infection: The middle ear is the area situated right at the back of your eardrum. A middle ear infection is also termed otitis media, which is caused due to accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum and results in eardrum swelling. Along with ear pain, you may experience fullness in your ear. Other symptoms include

  • Fever
  • Trouble hearing

Fluid draining signals that infection had advanced to a tympanic membrane rupture, which can result in a sudden loss of hearing, but heals on its own.

Outer Ear Infection: An outer ear infection is also termed otitis externa. It is part of your ear that extends out from your eardrum to the ear opening. The symptoms begin as an itchy rash and the ear may become:

  • Painful
  • Tender
  • Red
  • Swollen

Causes

Ear infections can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Middle Ear Infection

A middle ear infection usually begins from a cold or other respiratory problem. The infection can spread to one or both ears via the eustachian tubes. These tubes control air pressure inside the ear and connect to the back of the nose and throat.

Infection can irritate the eustachian tubes and cause them to swell, which impedes the draining process. When the fluid inside is not drained, it gets accumulated against the eardrum.

Also Read: 10 Warning Signs Of Hearing Loss You Should Never Ignore

Outer Ear Infection

An outer ear infection is also called a swimmer’s ear, as it often starts as a result of water that remains in the ear after swimming or bathing. The moisture is the root cause of bacterial growth.

If scratch outer ear by inserting your fingers or other objects, a bacterial infection can develop.

Diagnosis

The healthcare provider with a help of an otoscope can get a detailed view of your outer ear and eardrum. An otoscope is a device with a light and magnifying lens that guides doctors to check the health of the ear. A pneumatic otoscope can produce a puff of air in the ear, which is pushed against the eardrum and how the eardrum reacts can help physicians diagnose the issue. If the eardrum moves easily, you may not have a middle ear infection, or it may not be severe. If it does not move easily, then it means there’s fluid or pus, however not all fluid in the ear means an infection is present.

Tympanometry is another test used to diagnose ear infections and it’s used to evaluate eardrum movement.

A hearing test may also be done, particularly if it seems that an infection has caused some hearing loss.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type of ear infection you have. For middle and outer ear infections antibiotics are prescribed. Ear drops are also suggested that have to be applied to the site of the infection.

 Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are given to ease pain and reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.

Autoinsufflation is another technique that helps to clear eustachian tubes by squeezing the nose, closing the mouth, and slowly exhaling. This can let air travel via the eustachian tubes to support drain them.

 The outer ear should be cleaned thoroughly, which is followed by the application of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications to your ear. Antibiotics are prescribed if your physician determines that the infection is bacterial. If the infection is fungal, then an antifungal medication is given.

Prevention

Following some of these preventive measures can help you avert an ear infection, which includes:

  • Ensure you dry your ears completely after swimming or taking a shower
  • Quit smoking and avoid or limit second-hand smoke when possible
  • Control allergies by avoiding triggers and keeping up with allergy medications
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and limit contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory problems
  • Get your vaccines up to date