Middle Ear Infections - Otitis Media Ear Infections

Unraveling the Truth About Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media) 

Ear infections are annoying and painful and make up more than 50 percent of pediatrician visits in the United States. By their third birthday, around three-quarters of children will have suffered at least one ear infection. Whether you have an ear infection or are concerned about your child, it helps to understand what causes them, the types of ear infections you can experience, and which treatment options are available for patients. Below, the hearing experts and ear doctors at AudioNova unravel the mystery behind Otitis Media, commonly referred to as middle ear infections. Contact our hearing experts today to learn more or schedule a consultation.  

What Causes Ear Infections?  

Different types of illnesses, including respiratory and sinus infections, can cause ear infections to develop. They’re usually viral or bacterial, but they are fungal in some cases. The most common type of ear infection is otitis media, a middle ear infection. Allergies, excessive smoking, changes in air pressure, or fluid buildup within the ear can also cause ear infections. Other risk factors that may increase the chances of getting ear infections include chronic illnesses and family medical history. 

Types of Ear Infections 

Ear infections are commonly categorized in the following two ways: location and symptom clusters. Ear infections can be:   

• Otitis Externa – This type of ear infection affects the area between the outer ear and the eardrum. It's most commonly caused by exposure to dirty water while swimming or external damage, such as improper cleaning with Q-tips. Swimmer's Ear is another term for Otitis Externa.  

• Otitis Media – This type impacts the inner ear and is most commonly caused by an Eustachian tube blockage. It occurs most frequently in pediatric patients.  

• Otitis Interna – Also known as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, this type of ear infection impacts the inner part of the ear. It's rare because it's traced back to a viral or bacterial infection in less than half the cases.  

Ear infections can be classified as acute, recurrent, effusive, or chronic:  

• Acute Ear Infections – These come on quickly and are frequently accompanied by inflammation, itching, and redness. 

• Recurrent Ear Infections – These are repeated episodes of an infection in the same area of the ear. 

• Effusive Ear Infections – These result from fluid buildup or any other signs of infection. They typically occur at the peak of an acute infection. 

• Chronic Ear Infections – These are less severe than acute ear infections but generally don't resolve on their own. If recurrent ear infections occur frequently enough, they could be diagnosed as chronic.  

Common Ear Infection Symptoms  

The most common symptoms of a middle ear infection include: 

• Fever 

• Headache 

• Vertigo 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Throbbing ear pain  

• Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the ear  

• Pus or discharge from the ear  

• Signs of hearing loss  

Preventing Ear Infections  

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential in reducing the risk of ear infections. Still, there are several things you can do to help prevent ear infections in children and yourself, including: 

• Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality protein to strengthen the immune system. 

• Consider eliminating sugar and milk from your diet, as they are common allergens. 

• Stay hydrated to help thin mucus secretions. 

• Get plenty of physical exercise.  

• Reduce exposure to environmental allergens such as cigarette smoke. 

• Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can pack ear wax further into the ear canal. 

Ear Infection Treatment  

If you suspect you or your child may have an ear infection, it's always best to be safe. Visit your ENT or pediatrician, particularly if ear pain or hearing loss is present. Babies and young children often pull on their ears when they suffer from an ear infection. If left unchecked, ear infections can lead to scar tissue formation on the eardrum or a rupture.  

If the ear is inflamed enough, it can permanently damage the ossicles and tiny bones in the inner ear. Some physicians recommend over-the-counter or prescription ear drops to prevent damaging the eardrum and speed up the healing process. In some cases, antibiotic treatments are necessary to treat the infection. The initial inflammatory phase usually lasts up to three days for acute infections, but the overall healing process can take up to four weeks. Medications, when prescribed appropriately, can reduce the healing time. Some ear infections aren't bacterial, so antibiotic therapy isn't always the best course of treatment.  

Why Are Children Susceptible to Otitis Media?  

An infant or young child's eustachian tubes tend to be more horizontal than those of an adult, increasing the likelihood of fluid buildup. The mucus that typically drains in an adult stays in place, causing pain, pressure, and infection. As children age, their eustachian tubes shift to be more vertical and become better at draining excess fluids. 

Take Control of Your Hearing Health   

The hearing experts at AudioNova will be with you every step of your journey toward better hearing health. Our clinical teams offer comprehensive services to assist you with all your hearing needs and concerns. There's no better time to start hearing the world around you more clearly. If you have any questions about our hearing clinic or concerns about hearing loss, you can schedule a hearing test or one-on-one consultation with us immediately. Contact us today to learn more.