Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Ear infection is medically known as otitis media. Ear infection happens mostly in the middle ear. The middle ear is the space that is filled with air and is located behind the eardrum. An ear infection is either bacterial or viral. It becomes quite painful due to inflammation in the middle ear and due to the formation and collection of the fluids in the ear. As this is a common occurrence, it is always better to be aware of the symptoms of an ear infection, so that the person can start off with the treatments and also so that he/she does not experience a lot of pain.

Even though ear infections are common in children and in babies, ear infection in adults can also happen. An ear infection happens when bacteria or virus enters the middle ear and causes ear problems. Bacteria enters the ear through the Eustachian tube, which is the tube that links the pharynx to the middle ear. This tube is usually closed and it opens to balance the pressure of air in the ear and to drain the mucus from the middle ear. Bacteria can enter the middle ear in one of these two instances and result in an ear infection.

• Ear Pain: Adults experience ear pain in an ear infection due to the inflammation in the middle ear. If the ear pain becomes very painful, medical attention is advised.
• Sore Throat: Sore throat is the result of an ear infection. The bacteria that causes the ear infection also inflames the throat and causes a sore throat.
• Blocked Ears: Due to the fluid accumulation in the middle ear, the person experiences blocked ears.
• Ear Discharge: Ear discharge is all the fluid and pus that gets collected behind the eardrum, in the middle ear. This discharge leaks from the ear due to the increasing pressure of the accumulated fluids. This is called the ear discharge.
• Dull Hearing: An ear infection causes temporary hearing loss or dull hearing. This is caused because sound cannot travel through the middle and the inner ear as they are filled with fluid. Hence, a person with an ear infection cannot hear clearly.
• Fever: The person with a serious ear infection is most likely to develop fever. This happens again, due to the accumulated fluids and mucus in the ear. This fever can lead to dizziness too.

If a person shows any of these middle ear infection symptoms, it is recommended that he/she consults the doctors and starts with medication as soon as possible to avoid any problems later.

Ear infections in infants are very common as they are in children and babies. The reason why babies are more susceptible to ear infections than adults is because their Eustachian tubes are shorter than those of the adults. The tube is horizontal, which makes the middle ear fluid drainage, complicated and difficult. It is estimated that every child has an ear infection before he/she turns 3.

• Ear Pain: Babies experience an acute pain in the ear due to the ear infection.
• Tugging at the Ear: Babies tug and pull at their ears for no apparent reason. But if the baby tugs at his/her ear all day long and if he/she cries while tugging, he/she could be suffering from an ear infection.
• Difficulty in Sleeping: Babies cannot sleep well due to the extreme pain that they experience. Also, when they lie down to sleep, the pain may increase. This pain may not let them sleep properly.
• Loss of Appetite: Because of the pain in the ear, the babies might find it difficult to swallow. The pain may intensify while swallowing. This results in the babies not eating much.
• Fever: Fever accompanies ear infection. In the babies, the temperature can be higher than in the adults. Fever can also lead to nausea.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea can happen due to the virus or bacteria that has caused the ear infection, to enter into the digestive system of the baby. Diarrhea cannot be ruled out as it is very easy for the bacteria to enter the stomach as the Eustachian tube is horizontal.
• Discharge: As is true with the adults, discharge can be seen in the ears of the babies as well.

It is not advisable to ignore any of these signs and symptoms. It is necessary to rush the baby to the emergency room when he/she shows these symptoms so that there are no complications later.

An inner ear infection is called labyrinthitis. In simple words, it is the inflammation of the inner ear. The human inner ear consists of small tubes and tunnels, called labyrinth, which are responsible to carry sounds to the brain. The brain then comprehends these sounds and also determines the location of the sounds. Labyrinthitis is caused when these tubes and tunnels get infected; it is a type of inner ear problems. The symptoms of an inner ear infection are very different from the other ear infections due to the above reasons. These inner ear infection symptoms are mentioned below.

• Vertigo: Vertigo is the result of the total disruption of the labyrinth due to the inflammation in the inner ear.
• Dizziness: Dizziness is also the aftermath of the inflammation in the inner ear. The inner ear cannot function well and causes severe dizziness.
• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear or in the head, the source of which is not from the outer side of the head. An inner ear infection causes tinnitus due to the inflammation.
• Aural Fullness: In simple words, aural fullness is the feeling of fullness in the ears. This happens due to the infection.
• Otorrhea: Otorrhea is ear discharge. A lot of ear discharge is the symptom of an ear infection.
• Facial Weakness: In severe cases, ear infections spread to the surrounding areas and are capable of causing facial weakness when they cause facial paralysis. This can also lead to asymmetry in the face.
• Neck Pain: An inner ear infection causes severe pain and stiffness in the neck. One of the symptoms of inner ear disorders, neck pain should not be ignored.

As you can see, there are several symptoms of an ear infection or otits media. As mentioned above, it is advised that these symptoms should not be ignored as they can lead to further complications. In worst cases, the person may lose completely, the ability to hear. When the symptoms show, seek immediate medical assistance.