Inner Ear Infection Symptoms for Adults

Although ear infections are more common in babies and young children, adults can also develop this painful condition. Fortunately, ear infection symptoms in adults usually resolve on their own and rarely require invasive treatments such as tubes.

• Ear infections can develop in adults

Types

• Adults with inner ear infections might experience symptoms including a fever higher than 100F; ear drainage, pain or pressure; difficulty hearing; and dizziness.

Time Frame

• Symptoms of ear infections may last for three days to a week or longer, depending on the person's health and the cause of the infection.

Identification

• A doctor diagnoses inner ear infections by examining the ears with an otoscope that is placed in the ear canal, and looks for swelling, redness and fluid buildup.

Significance

• Inner ear infections may cause difficulty sleeping, and infections that are left untreated may cause the ear drum to rupture, which can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Considerations

• Adults who live in areas with air pollution; among smokers; or have allergies may be more likely to develop symptoms of inner ear infections.

Treatments

• Most adults will feel better after using decongestants, pain relievers or ear drops as recommended by a doctor, although bacterial ear infections may require antibiotics such as amoxicillin.