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What Are the Effects of an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are very common in childhood and occur rarely in adults. Fluid accumulates behind the eardrum and causes the middle ear lining to become swollen and infected. The ear infection often develops during a cold or other viral infection.

  1. Child Symptoms

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, young children may not be able to say that they have ear pain, but they may pull on their ears, become unusually irritable or have problems sleeping during an ear infection. Children may have a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or clear fluid may drain from their ears.

    Adult Symptoms

    • Signs of an adult ear infection may include ear pain, fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and dizziness. Temporary hearing loss and a feeling of blockage within the ear may develop.

    Hearing Loss

    • Long-term hearing loss can occur after an ear infection if fluid remains in the middle ear and damages the bones and eardrum in the middle ear.

    Ruptured Eardrum

    • The pressure of fluid in the ear can cause the eardrum to rupture, resulting in a discharge of blood or pus from the ear. Consult your doctor or pediatrician if this happens.

    Mastoiditis

    • Ear infections that are not treated can lead to a mastoiditis sinus infection in a space in the bone of the skull behind the ear.

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