Ear Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Ear infections are a common problem and inflict discomfort, muffled hearing, and ear pain on millions of people each year. Children are especially vulnerable to ear infections, with approximately 9 million kids seeing doctors for infection-related ear pain annually. So how do you get an ear infection, and what treatment is available?

Children have smaller Eustachian tubes that tend to be more horizontal than adult tubes, two factors that increase the chances of Eustachian tube blockages and subsequent infections.

Adults are less likely to develop ear infections, but anyone can develop a middle ear infection at any age. High-risk groups include:

• People with asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases
• People with family histories of ear infections
• People with palate abnormalities
• People with weak immune systems
• Tobacco smokers or people, especially children, who live with smokers
   

Ear infection symptoms in adults are slightly different from the symptoms seen in children. For adults, the symptoms can include:

• A feeling of “fullness” in the ear
• Ear pain
• Muffled hearing
• Ear drainage, which is not common and means that a ruptured ear drum is likely

Ear pain may be sharp and sudden or experienced as a dull, continuous earache. Some adults experience a sharp “stabbing” pain followed by drainage from the ear canal.

Children, especially young children, may have difficulty communicating their symptoms and the cause of their discomfort. Watch for signs such as:

• Crying when lying down – this is the main indicator 
• Fevers
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Poor sleep
• Tugging at the affected ear

Ear infection treatment depends on the cause of the infection. If it’s caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Viral ear infections cannot be treated with antibiotics and are usually left to resolve on their own.

Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain medication to reduce fever and ease ear pain. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are most often recommended. Hot compresses or low heat from heating pads may also provide ear pain relief.

Do not use aspirin to treat ear pain in children. Children who take aspirin have an increased risk of Reye’s Syndrome, which causes dangerous brain and liver swelling.

In cases of chronic otitis media with effusion, where fluid is trapped behind the eardrum, doctors may suggest a particular type of ear infection treatment called a myringotomy. A small hole is made in the eardrum, and a tube inserted to drain excess fluid. This also allows aeration of the tube which can then heal without the body continuing to produce antibodies. A myringotomy reduces ear pain while reducing the risk of future ear infections.

Remember, ear infections are only one cause of temporary hearing loss, muffled hearing, and ear pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor or a licensed hearing care professional.