Ear Infections

Acute otitis media

Otitis Media is a middle ear infection commonly seen in young children (6 months to 2 years old). It may also affect older children and adults, although not as frequently.

Middle ear infection can cause ear pain, redness, bulging of the tympanic membrane (eardrum), and fluid discharge from the ear. It can also cause temporary hearing loss. The infection can last up to a week or longer before subsiding.

Young children are most at risk of acute otitis media, especially if they have a history of ear infections. Otitis media often follows an upper respiratory infection.

While there can be a wait and watch period, to see if the infection goes away on its own, providers often time prefer to treat with antibiotics to prevent worsening and pain.

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa (OE) is inflammation of the outer ear and external ear canal. It is most commonly bacterial and sometimes fungal in nature.

Patients with OE present with severe ear pain with tenderness when touching the outside of the ear. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, hearing loss, itching, and discharge.

OE is also known as swimmer's ear, as it is historically seen in those who have spent time in water. Entry of water, bacteria, or other debris into the ear canal is a major contributor to formation of infection.

Other risk factors include scratching, swabbing, hearing aids, earphones, earplugs, or any foreign body insertion, as these create conditions under which bacteria like to grow.