What is the most common ear problem?

Ear problems can be the result of problems in the ear, the neck, the sinuses or the head. Babies and children are more vulnerable to ear infection. Learn more about ear issues and what you need to do for instant relief.

The most common ear problem is a middle ear infection, also known as “otitis media.” This infection is particularly prevalent in young children and often occurs alongside a cold. It may involve inflammation or fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

What Causes Middle Ear Infection?

Middle ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or viruses that grow in fluid behind the eardrum. This fluid buildup is often due to a malfunctioning eustachian tube, the canal that connects the middle ear to the throat. Learn more about the eustachian tube and common causes behind its dysfunction.

Reasons Behind Malfunctioning Of Eustachian Tube

A malfunctioning eustachian tube is also known as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Some factors, including upper respiratory infections like the common cold or sinus infections, allergies, nasal congestion, changes in altitude and smoking can cause it. Sometimes stress or anxiety can also lead to inflammation and swelling within the tube, hindering its ability to open and equalise air pressure in the middle ear. Here are some of the key points you need to note:

• Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction might include muffled hearing, ear pain, feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears and popping or clicking sounds in the ear.
• Treatment options might include decongestants, chewing gum, saline nasal spray, yawning and swallowing. In severe cases, a surgical procedure might be needed to widen the eustachian tube.
• Common causes include cold, flu, sinus infections, enlarged adenoids, altitude changes and allergies.
• Swelling in the lining of the eustachian tube prevents it from opening properly, leading to pressure imbalances in the middle ear.

According to the severity of the infection, there can be several treatment options available.

Treatment Options For Middle Ear Infection

Middle ear infections can be treated with pain medication, antibiotics, decongestants and home remedies. Here is the detailed information:

Antibiotics

A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics can be taken by mouth or as ear drops.

Decongestants

Decongestants or allergy medication can help clear the infection by opening the airways and allowing mucus to drain more easily from the sinuses. It helps provide temporary relief from congestion symptoms.

Home Remedies

Applying a warm compress to the ear or a cold compress to reduce the inflammation will work. Apply a few drops of ginger juice around the outer ear to reduce swelling.

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can work. Over-the-counter eardrops recommended by ear specialist will help get relief.

Surgical Procedure

An ear specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to clean out the infection, repair the ear drum or insert ventilating tubes in severe cases.

If you do not know when to see a professional ear specialist, here is what you should know.

When To Seek Expert Advice: An Ear Specialist Can Help

Seek expert advice for a middle ear infection if you experience severe pain, high fever or discharge from the ear. Here are points to note:

• Intense pain in the ear that makes it difficult to work properly or disrupts daily activities needs to be checked by a specialist.
• High fever, especially in young children, needs immediate expert attention.
• If you are finding it difficult to hear or getting muffled sounds, you need to search for “ear specialist near me”.
• Discharge such as pus or fluid draining from the ear canal needs to be checked.
• Facial numbness, weakness or paralysis demands expert attention.
• Any ear pain or discomfort in children under 6 months old must be checked by an ear specialist.
• Visible swelling or redness behind the ear are the signs to visit an ear specialist near you.

Although middle ear infection is common and multiple treatment options are available, it is better to visit an ear specialist as soon as you can before the case becomes severe.

How Common Is Middle Ear Infection?

Otitis media or middle ear infection is very common in children, especially between 6 months and 2 years. They are less common in adults, but still occur. Take a look at the commonness of the infection:

• Up to 85% of babies experience otitis media in their first 12 months.
• Up to 99% of babies experience otitis media in their first 24 months.
• 5 out of 6 Children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday.

This proves that middle ear infection is common. Some of the risk factors are family history of recurrent ear infections and exposure to cigarette smoke or vaping devices.