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Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults

Ear infections, while more common in children, can strike adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common ear infection in adults occurs in the outer ear, and is commonly called "swimmer's ear." This type of infection happens when moisture is trapped in the ear canal from swimming, bathing or exposure to a humid environment. Bacteria multiply in such conditions, causing irritation and inflammation.

  1. Types of Ear Infections

    • According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO), swimmer's ear requires treatment to reduce the pain and prevent possible hearing loss. Middle ear infections, which are more common in children, occur when a virus, such as a cold, creates a breeding ground for bacteria, causing pain and swelling that also could lead to hearing loss. In either case, a doctor typically will prescribe a series of antibiotics to treat the infection.

    Symptoms

    • In addition to pain and discomfort---which may sharp or dull, constant or temporary---when moving the head or touching the ear, people with ear infections may have a fever, says the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms include sweating, chills, head and muscle aches, loss of appetite, dehydration, weakness and irritability. Adults may also experience dizziness as though the world is spinning, wobbly knees and a general feeling of unsteadiness.

    Complications

    • Short-term hearing loss may result from the fluid trapped in the ear, making it harder for vibrations to travel along the tiny bones in the middle ear. If fluid remains in the middle ear for months, it can cause lasting damage to the eardrum and bones in the middle ear, and long-term hearing loss. Some cases, according to the Mayo Clinic, can lead to a sinus infection known as mastoiditis.

    Tests and Diagnosis

    • During an exam, the doctor looks for redness in the middle ear with an instrument called an otoscope and may use a pneumatic otoscope, which will gently puff air on the eardrum. This causes a healthy eardrum to move, but any fluid in the middle ear will not allow the eardrum to move. The Mayo Clinic says there are two pain-free tests a doctor may use: tympanometry, which measures eardrum movement, and acoustic reflectometry, which projects sounds into the ear to determine if there's fluid present.

    Home Remedies

    • Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and decongestants, can reduce pain. Warm compresses, suggests the Mayo Clinic, or a heating pad set on low and applied over the ear may also be of help.

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