Ear Infection Symptoms

 While ear infections are common, especially among children, many people are unaware of the various types of ear infections. The three most common types are outer, middle and inner ear infections. Symptoms, causes and treatments vary from one type to another making it very important to know which type you have. The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of the varying types of ear infections, as well as prevention and treatment methods.  

Outer Ear Infections (Swimmer’s Ear)

 Outer ear infections, also known as Otitis Externa or swimmer’s ear, are caused by contaminated water entering the ear canal from the outside. Sticking things that are carrying germs into the ear can also result in Otitis Externa. Outer ear infections cause painful swelling and occasionally itching in the ear canal. Simply moving the head or touching the ear can be very painful with this type of ear infection. Other symptoms of swimmer’s ear can include draining of the ear, difficulty hearing, a fever, or a feeling that the ear is blocked.  Treatment for outer ear infections involves a thorough cleaning of the ear canal and, provided the eardrum is not ruptured, eardrops to discourage bacteria growth. For serious cases, an antibiotic may be given also in the form of eardrops. Usually an OTC pain medication is recommended for the pain but in extreme cases the doctor may prescribe a pain medication.   

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

 Middle ear infections, also called Otitis Media, are the most common type of ear infections. Middle ear infections can be either viral or bacterial. Most children will get this type of ear infections two or three times before the age of 7. Middle ear infections are usually caused by a cold or respiratory infection spreading into the ear canal through a tube connecting the nose to the ear called the Eustachian tube. The reason children are much more likely to get this type of ear infection is that the Eustachian tube in children is significantly shorter and provides an easier route for bacteria to enter. The most common symptoms of middle ear infections are earache, liquid draining from the ear, and fever. Infants and babies often tug on the infected ear to indicate discomfort.  Treatment for Otitis Media usually includes antibiotics although they are not always necessary. The majority of middle ear infections will go away on their own if left alone. Severe ear infections, such as those accompanied by high fever or pain for more than four days, probably require antibiotics and should be treated by a doctor. Some form of OTC pain reliever is usually needed to deal with the pain of middle ear infection symptoms.  

Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis)

 Inner ear infections are also known as Labyrinthitis. It is called Labyrinthitis due to the fact that is it an infection found in the Labyrinth, or the inner fluid-filled chamber, of the ear. This chamber is the part of the ear that influences balance. Inner ear infections are almost always caused by a virus, but rarely can be the result of bacteria. Similar to middle ear infections, inner ear infections are usually the result of another illness spreading into the inner ear, such as the flu, measles or mumps. The random case of bacterial Labyrinthitis is normally caused by an untreated or under-treated middle ear infection.  The symptoms of inner ear infections are very different from those of the other types of ear infections and include nausea and vomiting, severe vertigo (loss of balance and the sensation of falling) and involuntary movements of the eye. A ringing in the ear and some form of hearing loss can develop as the infection progresses. Since the majority of inner ear infections are viral, antibiotics won’t help. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-nausea medication, to deal with the vertigo, and bed rest for several days. While the nausea and vertigo usually disappear after this time you may continue to feel off balance throughout the following weeks, especially after moving too quickly. Just take it easy for a while and you should be fine. Fortunately once inner ear infection symptoms clear up, they rarely reoccur.