Ear Infection (Middle Ear) Symptoms, Causes & Treatments | Ada (2024)

A middle ear infection, otherwise known as otitis media, is a viral or bacterial infection of the air-filled cavity behind the eardrum. In most cases, a middle ear infection affects just one ear, but can also occur in both ears simultaneously. The infection can cause painful inflammation, as well as a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. Although people of any age can develop the infection, it is most common in younger children, with a high percentage of children experiencing the condition before the age of 10. ¹

In some cases, a middle ear infection may disappear without treatment. While antibiotics are only sometimes necessary to fight the infection, pain-relievers are commonly prescribed to lessen the pain caused by the condition. Further treatment options are available for recurrent middle ear infections. Complications are rare, meaning it is generally considered a non-serious condition.

There are three common types of middle ear infections:

• Acute otitis media: This is the most common form. It is characterized by its rapid onset and often results in ear pain, fever, and hearing impairment. It usually lasts for between a few days and a few weeks.
• Otitis media with effusion: Once the initial infection has faded, non-infectious fluid or mucus may continue to build, resulting in pronounced hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Otitis media with effusion can also result from a fluid build-up that was never infected. In such cases, antibiotics will often not work as a treatment method. This form often lasts longer than acute otitis media; running its course after around four to six weeks.
• Chronic otitis media: An acute middle ear infection with or without effusion that does not fully disappear or repeats frequently. This can lead to a prolonged inflammatory reaction with subsequent fluid build-up and often to a tear or perforation in the ear drum. When this happens, there will also be discharge from the middle ear. Chronic otitis media can lead to long-term hearing impairment.

A middle ear infection generally develops very rapidly.

Signs and symptoms in children may include: ²

• Ear pain
• Generally feeling unwell (malaise)
• Fever
• Muffled hearing/partial hearing loss
• Fluid in the ear or yellow, clear or bloody discharge from the ears
• Increased irritability, restlessness, crying and trouble feeding
• Nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness
• A child may excessively pull, tug or touch their ears

Symptoms of a middle ear infection in adults may include:

• Ear pain
• Partial hearing loss/muffled hearing
• Fluid in the ear (that may leak out) or yellow, clear or bloody discharge from the ears

It is important to consult a doctor when:

• Symptoms develop in a child of six months or younger
• A child displays symptoms for 48 hours or more and has a temperature of 39 C (102.2 F) or more
• Symptoms show no sign of improvement after two or three days
• Symptoms become worse rather than better over the first few days
• Discharge presents itself
• Symptoms are experienced by a person with an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease, which could make complications more likely

Middle ear infections are caused by viruses and bacteria, often resulting from other conditions (flu, common cold, allergy) that can cause blockage and swelling of the eustachian tubes that connect the throat and the middle ear. When this happens, a vacuum is created, allowing germs and fluid from the throat to enter the middle ear. A middle ear infection develops when bacteria or viruses grow in this fluid. ³

Children are more susceptible to middle ear infections than adults, partly because their eustachian tubes are narrower, so they are more easily blocked. Children also have relatively larger adenoids than adults. These are masses of tissue situated at the point where the nose bends into the throat ⁴ that are vulnerable to infection, swelling and inflammation – when this happens, they can block the eustachian tubes and cause a middle ear infection.

A doctor will generally be able to diagnose a middle ear infection by considering a person's symptoms and looking for specific signs. Using an otoscope (a lighted wand-like instrument), a doctor will be able to look into the ears, throat and nose for any signs of infection. ⁴ While the area around the eardrum will most likely be red and swollen, this will normally only be noticeable upon examination with an otoscope. The ear itself will generally not be red or swollen.

In some cases, especially when the condition is predicted to have taken the form of otitis media with effusion, a pneumatic otoscope may be used to confirm a diagnosis. This instrument pumps air into the middle ear and measures the resulting pressure changes. If little response is felt, this indicates the presence of fluid in the ear.

To further confirm a middle ear infection diagnosis, a doctor may order a number of further tests, including:

• Tympanometry: By testing the movement of the eardrum, this test can provide an indirect measure of pressure and fluid build-up behind the eardrum
• Acoustic reflectometry: By emitting sound into the eardrum and measuring the response from the eardrum, the amount of fluid in the eardrum can be measured. The more sound is reflected by the eardrum, the more fluid is present in the middle ear
• Tympanocentesis: If a middle ear infection is persistent, this test can be used to determine what kind of bacteria is present. This is done by piercing the eardrum, draining the fluid and then testing the make-up of this fluid

In children, antibiotics will normally be prescribed when:

• The infection is severe
• The child is younger than two years old, has an infection in both ears and has mild to severe pain and fever
• The child is at risk of complications from the infection

In cases outside of these parameters, doctors will generally wait a few days before prescribing antibiotics. Adults will typically be prescribed antibiotics when the symptoms are severe or when the infection does not disappear naturally.

When taking antibiotics, it is extremely important to follow the exact instructions of the doctor or pharmacist and ensure the full course is taken. Failure to do so can result in a recurrence of the problem and in the development of antibiotic resistance in the bacteria causing the infection.

If an individual experiences persistent middle ear infections (generally defined as three episodes in six months or four in a year) then ear tubes – sometimes known as grommets – may be necessary.

To place these, a small hole is created in the eardrum. Through this, fluid is drained and a tube is fitted to ventilate the middle ear and prevent the further buildup of fluids. Some ear tubes will naturally fall out after a number of months, whereas others are designed to be worn for longer and may require a procedure in order to remove them. Both the initial insertion and the removal are relatively straightforward outpatient procedures.

There are several ways to help children avoid a middle ear infection. They include:

• Breastfeeding rather than bottle feeding
• Avoiding a child’s exposure to tobacco smoke
• Ensuring a child is up-to-date with their routine vaccinations – particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib (5-in-1) vaccine
• Avoiding situations where exposure to bacterial infection is a risk (group child care, for example)
• Avoiding use of a pacifier

Complications from middle ear infections are extremely uncommon, but can occur, especially in very young children with a not yet fully developed immune system. These complications include: ⁵

• Mastoiditis: When the infection spreads into the bones of the ear. Symptoms include fever, pain, tenderness, headache and a creamy discharge from the ear. This condition is treatable, but seeking medical attention early is important.
• Cholesteatoma: A result of tissue build-up from recurrent instances of infection. If left untreated, the condition can cause serious damage. Treatment typically involves surgery.
• Labyrinthitis: A condition that occurs when an infection in the middle ear spreads to the inner ear. Symptoms include dizziness, hearing loss, vertigo and loss of balance. It is treatable.
• Other complications: Other possible complications include facial paralysis, meningitis and brain abscess, but these conditions are extremely rare.

Q: Are there any home remedies for treating a middle ear infection?
A: There are a variety of natural remedies for treating a middle ear infection. These treatment methods may provide some immediate relief, however, a doctor should also be consulted in cases where symptoms persist for more that a couple of days. Remedies include: ⁶

• Salt: Heat salt in a pan, wrap it in a cloth and place the cloth against the affected ear for up to ten minutes. This should help draw out fluid from the ear and provide some relief
• Garlic or onions: The antimicrobial properties of garlic and onions give them natural pain relieving qualities. Garlic can be eaten raw. Alternatively, it can be boiled and crushed, then wrapped in a cloth and placed against the ear. It can also be cooked in sesame or mustard oil until black, strained and applied to the ears in drops
• Olive oil: Slightly heat the olive oil and apply a few drop to the ears
• Warm compress: Heat a cloth to a bearable level and place against the outer ear

Q: Are middle ear infections contagious?
A: Middle ear infections are not contagious or spreading. However, part of their causes, like viral infections (such as the common cold) are contagious and spread from person to person. ⁷