Ear infections are one of the most common reasons why parents and caretakers bring their children to the doctor. However, ear infections, while most common in children, can affect adults as well. There are multiple causes of ear infections, or otitis media, and it’s important to see a doctor for treatment at the first sign of an ear infection.
What Are the Symptoms of An Ear Infection?
There are three main types of ear infections, which correspond to the three main parts of the ear.
1. A middle ear infection is called otitis media. This section of the ear is located right behind the eardrum and is caused by fluid trapped there. This causes the eardrum to bulge, making it painful. Middle ear infections are often caused by a cold or respiratory problems.
Symptoms include:
· Pain in the ear
· A sense of fullness in the ear
· Difficulty hearing
· Fluid drainage from the ear
· Fever
2. An inner ear infection is an infection that affects the inner ear. While it may actually be a case of inflammation rather than an infection, the symptoms are unpleasant. The first symptom you might notice is ear pain. Inner ear infection symptoms that you might experience are:
· Dizziness vertigo hearing loss
· Ear pain
· Nausea
· Vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms and believe you might have an inner ear infection, it is important to seek a diagnosis from your doctor as it could be a sign of a more serious condition like meningitis.
3. An outer ear infection is an infection of the outer part of the ear. Sometimes called “swimmer’s ear,” an outer ear infection is frequently caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. The remaining moisture in the ear is a breeding ground for bacteria. Sometimes if the outer ear is scratched or irritated, an outer ear infection can also result. Symptoms of an outer ear infection include:
· Ear pain
· A feeling of fullness in the ears
· Difficulty hearing
· Fluid drainage of the ear
· Itching
Diagnosing an Ear Infection
If you experience ear pain or any other symptoms listed above, and believe you may have an ear infection, make an appointment with your doctor for a formal diagnosis. Ear infections are usually simple to diagnose because the symptoms often affect only one ear. Your doctor can perform an examination of the ear to determine if you have an ear infection and, if so, what kind of ear infection you have. During the examination, your doctor will look into your ear with a light and magnifying lens to check the health of your ear. Your doctor might also use a tool called a pneumatic otoscope, which pushes a puff of air into the ear. If the eardrum does not move easily after the puff of air hits it, there may be fluid pressing against it from behind the eardrum, indicating a middle ear infection. A hearing test or tympanometry may also be performed to determine if any hearing loss has occurred. After this determination, your doctor can recommend a treatment that treats the underlying cause and affected area.
Ear infections are common, and the symptoms are unpleasant to deal with as both a child and as an adult. Usually the first sign of an ear infection is ear pain in one of the ears. If you or your child are experiencing ear pain, talk to your doctor.
