Common Questions About Ear Infections

Ear health is often overlooked as something that needs constant attention, until its too late and something is awry. One of the most common maladies affecting ear health is an ear infection.

What causes ear infections?

Ear infections occur when bacteria, usually coming from sore throats, colds or upper respiratory infections, in the ear creates inflammation in the middle ear. When this occurs, fluid builds up behind the eardrum. While anyone can get an ear infection, children typically come down with ear infections more often than adults. Ear infections in children are so common, in fact, that five out of six children have at least one ear infection by their third birthday.

Are there different types of ear infections?

Three types of ear infections can cause ear pain. Acute otitis media is the most common, infecting the middle part of the ear, subsequently causing swelling and fluid to be trapped behind the eardrum. It is typically accompanied with a fever. Otitis media with effusion occurs when the bacteria from acute otitis media have left but fluid remains trapped behind the eardrum. Usually individuals with otitis media with effusion don’t have symptoms; only an audiologist will be able to see the fluid behind the eardrum with special instruments. Lastly, chronic otitis with effusion occurs when the fluid in the middle ear remains for a long time or consistently returns, despite no infection or bacteria.

Do ear infections cause hearing loss?

The third type of ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss. Because of this, it is important to seek treatment for ear infections as soon as possible. Symptoms of ear infections in children include tugging or pulling at the ears, fussiness or crying, trouble sleeping, fever, fluid draining from the ear, clumsiness or problems with balance or trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds. A telltale sign for an ear infection in children is when a child wakes up in the middle of the night crying or screaming (which can be disconcerting for any parent who hasn’t experienced it).

Letting an ear infection go can cause hearing loss, especially in children. Children who suffer from undiagnosed hearing loss can cause developmental delays, especially affecting motor skills and language development.

How are ear infections treated?

Luckily, treating an ear infection can be quite simple. Most doctors will prescribe a round of antibiotics to help clear the bacteria. It is also important to individuals with ear infections to get enough rest and fluids to help fight against any fever symptoms. Should the antibiotics have run their course and an individual still has ear infections symptoms, make an appointment with an audiologist for follow-up care.