Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults

Although ear infection is more common in children, it can also affect adults. Otitis media is the most commonly seen ear infection. It is also known as middle ear infection. It causes an inflammation of the middle ear. When the bacterial or infections causing colds, sore throat and other breathing or respiratory problems spread to the middle ear, it results in inflammation of middle ear. Otitis externa, also known a swimmer’s ear or outer ear infection, is another type of ear infection found in adults.

Causes of Adult Ear Infections

Bacterial or viral infections are the most common cause of ear infections in adults. They reach the middle ear through the lining of Eustachian tube and develop the infection. It results in swelling of the lining of middle ear, which blocks the Eustachian tube. There is migration of white blood cells from the bloodstream to fight the infection. During this process, there is an accumulation of killed bacteria and dead white cells, resulting in formation of pus in the middle ear. Due to accumulation of pus, the eardrum and middle ear bones are unable to move freely, causing hearing trouble. As the infection worsens, there is a severe pain in the ear. People with allergies, certain birth defects such as cleft palate, nervous system abnormalities and Down syndrome are at higher risk for otitis media.

Otitis externa is caused by fungi or bacteria, which invade the ear under extremely wet or moist conditions. Frequent swimming increases the chances of infection. That’s why this type of infection is also known as swimmer’s ear.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults

Ear infections are less frequent in adults. If it affects adults, it causes the symptoms such as fever, ear pain, ear blockage, dizziness, temporary hearing loss, etc. However, it is not necessary that these symptoms indicate ear infection. They may be also due to other health problems. Some people experience an upset stomach or diarrhea and vomiting. If the eardrum is damaged or broken, then there is a leaking of the fluid from the ear.

Some of the common symptoms of otitis externa are itchiness in the ear, pain in the ear that worsens with the movement of ear lobe or jaw, discharge from the ear, temporary hearing loss, inflammation in the ear and a slight fever.

Diagnosing Adult Ear Infections

If you experience the signs and symptoms of ear infection, then you should immediately contact the doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The doctor would carry out a physical examination and examine the ear canal for inflammation or accumulation of fluid. If there is an ear infection, then the ear canal may be red and swollen. There may also be a foul smelling discharge from the ear.

Treatment for Adult Ear Infections

A treatment for adult ear infections includes eardrops containing antibiotics or a course of oral antibiotics. Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relive inflammation and pain.