Ear infections and hearing loss

 

A middle ear infection (otitis media) is inflammation in the part of your ear behind your eardrum. When there is fluid build-up, it is known as otitis media with effusion.

Middle ear infections may also cause temporary hearing loss. A hearing professional can check your ears for signs of infection and inflammation. He or she may perform a test to measure the pressure and movement of the ear drum and give a hearing test to confirm.

What causes ear infections? 

Ear infections are often due to malfunctioning Eustachian tubes. Eustachian tubes help drain the ear of fluid and keep the pressure stable. A sudden onset often occurs with or after a viral upper respiratory infection.

Sudden changes in barometric pressure can also cause ear infections. When the air in the middle ear is unable to equalize, fluid may build up, which can cause bacterial growth.

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Symptoms of an ear infection include

• Sudden ear pain
• Fever
• loss of hearing 
• Ear drainage

In some cases, an ear infection can go away on its own. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after 72 hours, you may need treatment.

How to treat a middle ear infection

Ear infections are not contagious, but may need treatment such as

• Antibiotic ear drops or
• Oral antibiotics

With treatment, symptoms will likely go away in two to three days. Complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent recurring infections.

Treatment for chronic ear infections

An otolaryngologist may recommend surgery for chronic or recurrent ear infections.

Myringotomy is better known as ear tube surgery. During a myringotomy, an otolaryngologist makes a tiny incision on the tympanic membrane. He or she will then suction out excess fluid. 

An otolaryngologist may insert a tube in the tympanic membrane to keep the incision open. This allows for further draining and better pressure equalization.

It can be scary to think of undergoing a surgical procedure. But the surgery is common. You should be able to resume regular activities the following day.

What is swimmer's ear?

Ear infections differ from swimmer's ear. Swimmer's ear occurs in the ear canal rather than the middle ear. It usually happens when fluid gets trapped in the ear, creating bacterial growth. 

Discharge in the ear canal can also affect hearing. Sound is unable to travel unobstructed through the ear canal to the eardrum.

You can treat swimmer's with ear drops to kill the bacteria and reduce swelling. Once treated, it can take seven to 10 days to clear. 

Outer ear infections are usually diagnosed by doctors. They look in your ear canal with an otoscope along with evaluating your symptoms.

To prevent swimmer's ear, keep ears as dry as possible. Dry ears with a towel after bathing or swimming. Use swim plugs or ear bands to keep water completely out of your and your child’s ear canals.

Middle ear infections in children

​Acute otitis media is a middle ear infection common in children. This is because their ear anatomy and immune systems are less developed. For example, a child’s Eustachian tubes are shorter and straighter than an adult's so they don't drain as well. 

Some children may have chronic and recurrent ear infections. In these kids, they may endure long periods of hearing loss and speech delays. 

Signs that your child may have an ear infection include:

• Tugging at the ear (common in babies)
• Fever
• Discharge from the ear
• Inability to fall or stay asleep
• Irritability
• Crying more than normal
• Not reacting to or seeking out where sounds or voices are coming from (due to loss of hearing)

While it is not always possible to stop ear infections, there are ways to reduce your child's risk:

• avoid smoking
• feed your baby in an upright position
• avoid giving your baby a pacifier
• wash your and your child’s hands
• keep up to date on immunizations

Tips to improve comfort for children with ear infections include:

• Keeping them upright or having their head elevated
• Keeping them hydrated. The act of swallowing and sitting upright will help the fluid drain
• Placing a warm compress on their affected ear
• Giving pain medication to help relieve pain and fever

Often, middle ear infections in children go away on their own. Doctors will take a "wait-and-see" approach to see if symptoms improve. For adults, antibiotic treatment is usually the default.

^Sources

^{Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America - Ear, Nose, and Throat Emergencies}