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Causes of Inner Ear Infection

Inner ear infections, also known as middle ear infections or otitis media, are a very common childhood disease, although adults can also be affected. An inner ear infection occurs when fluid from mucus in the tubes of the middle ear becomes trapped behind the eardrum. During a cold or flu, ear canals become swelled, trapping the fluid. Some ear infections may resolve on their own, while others will need to be treated.

  1. Causes

    • Inner ear infections are typically caused by a viral infection that swells the tubes in the ears and blocks fluid from escaping. Fluid normally escapes to the nose through narrow passageways called eustachian tubes. The trapped fluid starts to grow bacteria, resulting in a bacterial infection. Eustachian tubes in small children may not mature fast enough, contributing to infections when colds or flu occur. Adenoids are located near the eustachian tubes and help fight infections. Adenoid tissues can become infected themselves by a virus or bacteria, and can enlarge and block the eustachian tubes, causing fluid blockage in the ear.

    Risk Factors

    • Babies and children younger than 4 are prone to ear infections. Children in daycare settings are more apt to catch infections from other infected children. Babies who are bottle-fed while lying down are at an increased risk for ear infections compared with those fed in upright positions because the eustachian tubes cannot function as well while babies are on their backs and feeding. Fall, winter and spring weather normally increases risk of ear infections due to allergens in the air. Smoke, air pollution and a family history of inner ear infections can also increase risk.

    Symptoms

    • Inner ear infection symptoms in babies or children may include pulling on the ear, difficulty sleeping, irritability, complaining of pain in the ear, headaches and a fever of 100 degrees or higher. Adult inner ear infection symptoms include earache, dizziness, temporary hearing loss and a fever of 100 degrees or higher.

    Warnings

    • Short-term hearing loss may occur from fluid buildup in the ear. Long-term hearing loss occurs when fluid takes longer to disappear and may damage the eardrum. Excess fluid buildup can rupture the eardrum. This medical condition is rare, and normally the eardrum will heal on its own in a few weeks. An eardrum that does not heal on its own after rupturing will need a medical procedure to close the hole, such as an ear patch placed over the hole to stimulate growth and healing, or surgery to graft a piece of skin over the opening.

    Solution

    • Reduce the risk of inner ear infections by keeping your baby or child away from sick children. Breastfeed your baby if you can, as breast milk contains antibodies that can fight infection. Protect your child from smog or secondhand smoke. Ask your doctor about a vaccine called Prevnar that may reduce the risk of ear infections. Adults may use over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and allergy medicine to reduce congestion and the risk of ear infections. See your doctor if an infection is causing hearing loss; you may need prescription antibiotics for a bacterial infection.

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