More antibiotics are prescribed for middle ear infections than for any other bacterial illness in children in the United States, the American Academy of Physicians states. But ear infections don’t just affect children; adults can get them, too. And the middle ear isn’t the only part of the ear that can become infected. The inner and outer ear can also become infected and cause symptoms different from those of a middle ear infection. Signs of ear infection differ by location and to some degree, by age.
Middle Ear Infection Signs
A middle ear infection is known as otitis media. The symptoms of otitis media are usually straightforward. Children almost always have a cold before an ear infection, pediatrician and author William Sears, M.D. explains. Babies may be more fussy than normal, not want to lie flat, not sleep well, or run a low grade fever. Older children may tell you their ear hurts or complain that they can’t hear. If the eardrum ruptures, you may see fluid draining from the ear, and the pain may decrease because the pressure is released.
Ear pulling in babies is usually not a sign of infection, Dr. Sears explains, because children under one year are unable to localize where pain is coming from.
Adults with otitis media may complain of pain or fullness in the ear. Some run a fever or have bouts of dizziness. Antibiotics are used to treat middle ear infections.
Inner Ear Infection Signs
Inner ear infections are usually caused by viruses. Inner ear infections sometimes occur as part of a systemic infection such as mononucleosis or measles, the Vestibular Disorders Association states. Symptoms of inner ear infections include dizziness, loss of balance and coordination and vertigo, a sense that the room is spinning. Vision and hearing may also be affected. Steroids, antiviral medications, and drugs to reduce nausea are used to treat inner ear infection.
Outer Ear Infection Signs
Outer ear infection, sometimes called swimmer’s ear, is usually a bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal. Symptoms depend on the severity of the infection but include pain, discharge, redness, itching and mild hearing loss. The ear may feel clogged or full. Severe infection may cause swelling of the ear or the lymph glands around it. Antibiotic, antifungal or steroid drops are used to treat outer ear infection.
