Ear Infection in Adults

Ear infections (otitis media) are often associated with young children. According to the Mayo Clinic for Medical Research, by age 3, four out of five children have had at least one middle ear infection. However, adults may also get ear infections.

Symptoms

• Adults who have an ear infection typically suffer some degree of hearing loss, and the infected ear will also hurt and/or have fluid drainage. If these symptoms are accompanied by a fever of 100 degrees or higher, then an ear infection is the most likely cause.

Causes

• Ear infections start when a viral infection such as a cold, or, in some cases, an environmental irritant, causes the lining of the middle ear to become swollen. When this lining becomes so swollen that sinus and other naturally draining fluids become trapped behind the ear drum, pain and an ear infection result.

Who Is At Risk

• Anyone who has a cold or other sinus-related illness is at risk for developing an ear infection. Additionally, environmentally triggered ear infections can also strike those who are frequently exposed to cigarette smoke or other air pollution.

Complications

• The most common danger from an untreated or severe ear infection is a ruptured eardrum from fluid buildup and pressure. In most cases, the eardrum heals on it own, although in rare instances corrective surgery is required.

Diagnosis

• A physician will diagnose an ear infection by asking about your symptoms. They will also use a special light tool to view whether fluid buildup exists behind the eardrum.

Treatment

• In most cases, an ear infection will clear up on its own. Over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen may relieve the discomfort. If an ear infection persists, an antibiotic is often prescribed.