ear infection overview

An acute middle ear infection occurs as a short and severe episode, yet chronic ear infections are not uncommon.

What are the causes of a middle ear infection?

For each ear, a eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid that is normally made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. When this happens, germs such as bacteria and viruses can multiply and cause an infection.

Who suffers from an ear infection?
Otitis media is particularly prevalent in childhood. It accounts for a large proportion of paediatric presentations to health care professionals and is the most common cause of hearing loss in children.

Why are children re more likely than adults to get ear infections?
Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children than they are in adults. This makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear, even under normal conditions. If the eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked with mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain.

Ear infection symptoms may vary in intensity and severity from one individual to another, however, common symptoms include:

Younger children: Pulling or rubbing of the ear, Hearing impairment, Loss of appetite, Fever, Waking up at night crying.
Older children may complain of: Pain in the ear or jaw, Ringing in the ear, Trouble hearing, fever.

How to treat a middle ear infection?

If an infection does not go away with the usual medical treatment, or if a child has many ear infections over a short period of time, the doctor may recommend ear tubes.
Ear tube surgery (myringotomy) is a procedure that involves making a tiny incision in the eardrum and inserting a small plastic tube through the opening created. This tube stays in place across the eardrum allowing air into the middle ear and fluid and/or infection to come out.