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Symptoms of an Inner Ear Infection

Ear infections are more often diagnosed in children, but can still be a problem for adults. Usually, inner ear infections are more of a nuisance, but occasionally can signal a problem. However, treatments are generally simple and can alleviate problems in a short amount of time. Prevention is equally simple and involves actions that many people have already incorporated in their daily lives.

  1. Causes

    • Most ear infections begin with bacteria entering the ear through the Eustachian tube, which regulates air pressure inside the ear as well as drainage of mucus. The resulting infection causes the inner ear lining to swell and blocks the tube, forcing a buildup of mucus. Many times, ear infections will accompany a cold or flu, though the sufferer does not have to be sick to develop an infection.

    Earaches

    • Ear infections are common in children, mostly because their tubes are smaller and do not take as much to be blocked. Be aware of children complaining of an earache or pulling at their ears often. Young children will be cranky and may have difficulty sleeping.

    Hearing Loss

    • Adults who suffer from an ear infection will notice a temporary loss of hearing due to a blockage in the ear. There may be a ringing sensation in the ears, also known as tinnitus. In children, such symptoms will result in not responding to soft sounds, turning up the television or radio volume and talking louder. Children may also appear to be inattentive in school.

    Fever

    • Since many ear infections develop as a result of a bout with a cold or flu, symptoms can also be accompanied by a fever. This can be easily treated with acetaminophen.

    Vertigo

    • Because the Eustachian tube also helps with equilibrium, sufferers may experience dizziness or vertigo when the tubes are blocked. A sufferer may have the sensation that the room is constantly spinning or moving. Additionally, the eyes may move improperly--drifting to one side before snapping back into focus. These conditions are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

    Ruptured Eardrum

    • There may also be a thick, yellow fluid coming from the ear. This means pressure inside the ear has built up enough to cause the eardrum to burst, and that the fluid is draining on its own. It is usually harmless and the eardrum will heal itself.

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