|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Repetitive Ear Infections

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says that 75 percent of children are diagnosed with an ear infection. Also referred to as otitis media, an ear infection occurs when the tubes in the ears become clogged, trapping fluid. The excess fluid causes bacteria or a virus to set in, causing an infection. An ear infection may become chronic or repetitive.

  1. Definition

    • A repetitive ear infection is also known as a chronic ear infection and is defined by the National Library of Medicine as inflammation in the middle ear that continues longer than usual or is reoccurring. Chronic ear infections may cause you to develop long-term complications and damage.

    Causes

    • Repetitive ear infections may be the result of a bone infection behind the ear, continual drainage from the eardrum, growths in the ear, a hardening of the middle ear tissue or head damage affecting the inner or middle ear, according to the National Library of Medicine.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of a chronic ear infection are similar to an acute ear infection but they last longer. Chronic ear infections manifest with a constant dripping of fluid in the middle ear. The common symptoms of a repetitive ear infection are: pain in the ear, a fever over 100 degrees, visible fluid or leaking from the ear, headaches and a loss of appetite, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Treatment

    • The first treatment attempted with a repetitive ear infection is antibiotics. If the ear infection does not respond to the antibiotic, surgery may be required to properly treat the chronic condition. The most common surgery is intended to clear the debris from the clogged tube. Other surgeries may include placing temporary tubes in the ears, repairing the eardrum and replacing small ear bones.

    Complications

    • Chronic ear infections may lead to hearing loss if the middle ear is damaged, according to the National Library of Medicine. The earlier the intervention, the better chances you have of not developing hearing loss. A child with a chronic ear infection may develop his speech skills later. Paralysis of the face, inflammation around the brain and lack of balance are all possible complications, according to the National Library of Medicine.

    Considerations

    • Talk with a doctor before taking any medications or attempting to treat yourself. A doctor can properly diagnose you and make any recommendations based on her findings. If you experience bleeding from the ear, severe head or ear pain or become nauseous, seek medical attention immediately.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles