Ear infections are one of the most common otologic conditions experienced by both children and adults. They can range from painless to uncomfortable or itchy to quite painful, and many individuals experience recurrent or chronic ear infections. The two main types of ear infections are outer ear infections—also called otitis externa—and middle ear infections (otitis media).
What causes middle ear infections?
Even though middle-ear infections occur primarily in children, adults can also be diagnosed with ear infections. An ear infection in an adult may signal a more serious health issue than childhood ear infections, so it’s important to see a specialist to diagnose the cause and treat the infection. If you have a fever, severe pain behind your ear, or paralysis in your face, see your provider as soon as you can.
Common causes of middle ear infections include:
Bacterial or viral infections: These infections can spread from the nose and throat to the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
Allergies: Allergies contribute to ear infections by causing inflammation and swelling in the Eustachian tubes, making it difficult for fluid to drain from the middle ear.
Anatomy: Certain anatomical factors, such as narrow or blocked Eustachian tubes, can increase the risk of ear infections. This is particularly common in young children, as their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more prone to blockages.
What causes outer ear infections?
Common causes of outer ear infections include:
Moisture in the ear: This often precipitates outer ear infections, which is why it is also commonly known as swimmer’s ear.
Narrow ear canal: A narrow ear canal may be more prone to trapping debris or moisture. Sometimes, skin conditions can contribute to the accumulation of debris in the ears.
Bacteria and fungus: Ear canal infections may be caused by bacteria and fungus.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician
Ear infections are common and often resolve on their own. You should see a physician for an ear infection when:
- Symptoms persist for more than 2 or 3 days
- You or your child has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), especially in young children
- There is severe ear pain, swelling around the ear, or discharge of pus/bloody fluid from the ear
- You’re experiencing recurrent ear infections
If you have an infant younger than 6 months old who is showing symptoms of an ear infection, you should see a physician as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Ear Infections
One of our ENT specialists typically begins the diagnostic process by examining the ear with an otoscope. This lighted instrument allows them to see the eardrum and the middle ear space. A pneumatic otoscope blows a puff of air into the ear to check how well your eardrum moves. If your eardrum doesn’t move well, it may mean you have fluid behind it.
In some cases, they may order further tests, which may include tympanometry or ear imaging evaluation.
How do you treat middle ear infections?
The treatment used for an ear infection depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Left untreated, middle ear infections can lead to other infections or even hearing loss.
The most common treatments include:
Antibiotics: If bacteria cause the ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it. Depending on the severity and type of infection, these can be taken orally or administered as ear drops.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate the discomfort associated with ear infections.
Decongestants and antihistamines: For ear infections caused by allergies or congestion, your physician may recommend decongestants or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and improve drainage from the middle ear.
Ear tubes: In some cases, particularly for children with recurrent ear infections, ear tubes (also known as tympanostomy tubes) may be surgically inserted into the eardrum to allow for better drainage and ventilation of the middle ear.
How do you treat outer ear infections?
The most common treatments include:
Ear debridement: It is important to clean the canal of debris.
Antibiotics: Topical ear drops can resolve most outer ear infections, but more severe cases may require oral antibiotics.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists is committed to providing thorough, personalized care to treat your ear infection. If you or your child have experienced symptoms of an ear infection for 2 or more days, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan at one of our Arizona locations.