The Medline Plus website, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine, reports ear infections are the most frequently diagnosed medical conditions in young children. Ear infections may be located in the outer ear canal, referred to as otitis externa, the middle ear, referred to as acute otitis media, or the inner ear, referred to as labyrinthitis. The underlying cause may be either bacterial or viral and treatment options vary, depending on the anatomical location, severity and type of organism.
Outer Ear Infections
Outer ear infections are referred to as acute external otitis, or swimmer's ear according to the Mayo Clinic. This type of ear infection is most prevalent in children and young adults who engage in water sports. Excessive water from swimming or showering creates a moist environment for bacteria to grow and multiply in the outer ear canal. Signs and symptoms may consist of a red, swollen and painful external ear canal. There may be itching, a decrease in hearing acuity and drainage of infectious matter. The cause is usually bacterial and is relatively easy to treat with antibiotics and pain medication.
Middle Ear Infections
Middle ear infections, also known as acute otitis media, are most commonly seen in young children under the age of seven according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The anatomy of the normal ear includes two eustachian tubes which carry fluids from the middle ear to the back of the throat. When a child or adult catches a cold or is prone to allergies, the tubes may become swollen and blocked, preventing emptying of the fluid from the middle ear and allowing bacterial or viral organisms to grow and multiply. Pain and fever are the primary signs and symptoms of acute otitis media. Antibiotics may or may not be ordered to kill bacterial infections but they will not help if the infection is viral.
Inner Ear Infections
The medical term for inflammation of the cochlear nerve of the inner ear is called labyrinthitis, a disease seen more frequently in age groups 30 to 60, according to the Medscape E-Medicine website. There are many causes of labyrinthitis including bacterial migration from the middle ear after an episode of acute otitis media or other upper respiratory infections. Drug interactions and allergies may also play a role in developing symptoms of labyrinthitis. Swelling of the cochlear nerve from infection or irritation causes balance disturbances known as vertigo. Symptoms of vertigo may range from mild to extremely profound and incapacitating; they include loss of balance, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and ringing in the ears. Medical consultation and prescription medications help to substantially remedy the discomfort of labyrinthitis in most cases.
