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An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.
The diagnosis of "ear infection" is generally shorthand for acute otitis media. Your doctor likely makes this diagnosis if he or she sees signs of fluid in the middle ear, if there are signs or symptoms of an infection, and if symptoms started relatively suddenly. Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the ...
A ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear (eardrum). A ruptured eardrum can result in hearing loss. It can also make the middle ear vulnerable to infections. A ruptured eardrum usually heals within a few weeks without treatment.
Ear infection or ear canal blockage. Your ear canals can become blocked with a buildup of fluid (ear infection), earwax, dirt or other foreign materials. A blockage can change the pressure in your ear, causing tinnitus. Head or neck injuries. Head or neck trauma can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves or brain function linked to hearing.
Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It's often brought on by water that remains in your ear, creating a moist environment that aids the growth of bacteria. Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer's ear by damaging the thin ...
Medications for infection. For most cases of swimmer's ear, your doctor will prescribe eardrops that have some combination of the following ingredients, depending on the type and seriousness of your infection: Acidic solution to help restore your ear's normal antibacterial environment. Steroid to reduce inflammation. Antibiotic to fight bacteria.
Symptoms. Acute sinusitis symptoms often include: Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose, known as a runny nose, or down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip. Blocked or stuffy nose, known as congestion. This makes it hard to breathe through the nose. Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose or ...
Ear tubes also are called tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes. Ear tubes might help children who have repeated, long-lasting ear infections, also known as chronic otitis media. Ear tubes also might help children who still have fluid buildup in the ear after an infection clears up.
Airplane ear can occur in one or both ears. Common signs and symptoms include: Moderate discomfort or pain in your ear. Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in your ear. Muffled hearing or slight to moderate hearing loss. If airplane ear is severe, you might have: Severe pain. Increased ear pressure. Moderate to severe hearing loss.
Self care. A ruptured (perforated) eardrum usually heals on its own within weeks. In some cases, healing takes months. Until your provider tells you that your ear is healed, protect it by: Keeping the ear dry. Place a waterproof silicone earplug or cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in the ear when showering or bathing.