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Earplugs & Infections

Ear infections can occur in people of any age. While most common in children, they can be severe enough in adults to force them to take time off from work to recover. Some people use earplugs to try to avoid ear infections, but earplugs might increase a person's risk of contracting one.

  1. Ear Infection

    • Ear infections are a common health issue with children. They are usually caused by bacteria, but they can also be caused by fungal infections. The most common type of ear infection is also known as otitis media and involves the infection and inflammation of a person's middle ear, just behind the eardrum, according to the National Institutes of Health.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of an ear infection include pain in the infected ear, along with a sensation of fullness. A person with an ear infection might not hear as well with the affected ear. A general feeling of illness accompanies the infection, as can symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. In small children, irritability, constant crying and a fever can be indicative of an ear infection.

    Treatment

    • Ear infections can be treated with ear drops that will both soothe the pain of the ear infection and fight the infection itself. While symptoms of the ear infection might clear in a few days, it is important to be sure the medication is administered for as long as a doctor recommends. Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve pain and fever symptoms. In severe cases, oral antibiotics can be prescribed, according to the American Family Physician.

    Prevention/Solution

    • For people who are prone to ear infections or for children who have had tubes implanted in their ears as a result of previous ear infections, keeping dirty water out of the ears can help prevent future ear infections. A doctor can recommend earplugs or a tight fitting cap to block water from entering the ear canal. Ear plugs are not recommended for use when showering, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

    Considerations

    • Impermeable earplugs might not help prevent an ear infection in everyone. In some cases, they can put a person at greater risk for developing an infection because the earplugs can irritate the skin of the ear canal. Damage to the skin can lower resistance to infection. Cotton balls coated in petroleum are soft, non-irritating alternatives to earplugs.

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