Types of Ear Infection

Ear infections and inflammation, also known as otitis, are one of the most common illnesses amongst children. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, three out of every four children will have had at least one ear infection by the age of 3. Most ear infections, however, are not serious and clear up on their own within a few days. The majority of children will cease having ear infections by the time they are 4 or 5 years of age. There are several types of ear infections.

Otitis Externa

• This is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal between the eardrum and the outer ear. Also known as swimmer's ear, it can be caused by exposure to dirty water or damage done by improper cleaning techniques. Due to either bacterial or fungal agents, treatment may involve any one or all of the following: antibiotics, cleaning, pain medication and/or keeping the ears free of water.

Acute Otitis Media

• Acute otitis media refers to an infection of the middle ear, frequently due to a cold or blockage of the eustachian tubes. This type of infection most often occurs in children and is caused by either a virus or bacteria. Most cases of acute ear infection will clear up on their own, though a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, pain medicine, or ear drops.

Chronic Otitis Media

• Chronic otitis media is a recurring or continuous infection of the middle ear. It is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to a burst eardrum or damage to the structures of the middle ear. Treatment options vary, everything from a thorough cleaning and preventative measures, to aggressive antibiotics and surgery.

Serious Otitis Media

• This type of ear infection is also known as glue ear. It most often occurs in children between 6 months and 2 years of age and earns its nickname due to the build up of fluid or pus in the middle ear. Doctors will usually attempt to treat serious ear infections with antibiotics. If drugs fail, the surgical insertion of drainage tubes may be required.

Infectious Myringitis

• When the eardrum is inflamed, it sometimes responds by forming small blisters. This condition is known as infectious myringitis and is caused by bacterial agents within the ear. Treatment consists of antibiotics, pain medication and a doctor breaking the blisters.

Acute Mastoiditis

• Touch the area behind your ear. The bone you feel there is called the mastoid. Acute mastoiditis is the infection of this bone, caused by a previous ear infection. If you have acute mastoiditis, the skin over the bone will be red and swollen, there will be discharge from the ear and you will likely have severe pain and fever. Seek immediate medical attention for this type of ear infection, as it can result in blood poisoning, deafness and paralysis of the face. Intravenous antibiotics will be administered along with possible surgical drainage of the bone.

Vestibular Neuronitis

• The vestibular nerve relays information from the ear canals to your brain on how far, fast and in which direction your head is moving. Vestibular neuronitis is the inflammation of this nerve, usually caused by a viral infection. Symptoms manifest as extreme dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Antihistamines and anti-nausea medications comprise the treatment options for this type of ear infection.

Herpes Zoster of the Ear

• This is an infection of the cochlear nerve by the herpes zoster virus. Symptoms may include anything from dizziness to small blisters on the outer ear, ear canal and even on the face and neck. Treatment may include antiviral medication, pain killers, and perhaps surgery.