Ear Infection Symptoms in Adults

Ear infection is commonly caused by bacteria or viruses which enter the ear. Adult ear infection is a result of Eustachian tube infection, which is located near the inner ear. It connects the inner ear to the nasal passages, so as to drain the fluid from the ears and balance the pressure between the exterior and interior of the body. But when this fluid or mucous blocks the Eustachian tube, ear gets infected. There are, in all three types of ear infections in adults -

• Otitis media
• Otitis externa (also referred to as an outer ear infection or swimmer's ear)
• Otitis interna (also referred to as an inner ear infection or labyrinthitis)

Out of the above ear infections, Otitis media is the most common form of ear infection in adults.

Symptoms of Ear Infection in Adults

Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is the most common symptom of ear infection. It announces the onset of an ear infection. However, most people fail to detect it as a symptom of ear infection and mistake it for common cold. When nasal congestion occurs in association with several other symptoms, you can be sure that you have contracted an ear infection.

Fever
Ear infection is sometimes accompanied by a fever. The temperature of the infected person measures somewhere between 101 to 102 Fahrenheits. However, a person may not always have hever, even if he has got an infected ear. Hence, if other symptoms of ear infections are present, one should not wait for fever to initiate the treatment for ear infection.

Difficulty in Swallowing
Chewing and swallowing of the food can trigger the pain in the ear. Hence, most people find it difficult to eat, which eventually results in loss of appetite. This is more prevalent among small children, as they cannot communicate the pain experienced while swallowing. Loss of appetite is a major symptom to determine the ear infection.

Vomiting & Diarrhea
The bacteria or the virus that caused an ear infection are likely to affect the digestive system of the person as well. This may lead to vomiting and (or) diarrhea in an individual, which is often mistaken for an upset stomach. Just like fever, vomiting and diarrhea may not always be a symptom of ear infection.

Sleeping Problem
Ear infection often interferes with the sleeping pattern of an individual. The pain in the ear prevents the person from having a sound sleep. This may further lead to irritability.

Dizziness and Hearing Loss
Dizziness and temporary hearing loss are also largely attributable to the ear infection. Occasionally, the person may experience a loss of balance or a state of confusion.

Other adult ear infection symptoms include blockage in the ear, fluid oozing from the ear and tugging or pulling of ear ends.

Often, the cause of ear infection is an impacted ear wax or water which is left in the ear after a shower or a swim. Hence, make sure you always keep your ear clean. Since, the physicians do not approve of ear buds, you can use suction pumps or sprays to flush out the infection. However, if the infection is particularly serious, it would be wise to consult a medical practitioner.