logo

Ear infection, inner





NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

Causes of middle ear infections

Most middle ear infections (otitis media) are caused by a viral or bacterial infection spreading into the middle ear.

They often occur when an infection, such as a cold, leads to a build-up of mucus in the middle ear and causes part of the ear called the Eustachian tube to become swollen or blocked.

The Eustachian tube is a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose. Its main functions are to help maintain normal air pressure within the ear and to help drain away mucus and other debris from the middle ear.

If the tube becomes swollen or blocked, mucus can’t drain away properly, which makes it easier for an infection to spread into the middle ear.

An enlarged adenoid (soft tissue at the back of the throat) can also block the Eustachian tube, which can cause a build-up of mucus and lead to a middle ear infection. The adenoid can be removed if it causes persistent or frequent ear infections. Read more about removing adenoids.

Who’s most at risk?

As a child’s Eustachian tubes are smaller than an adult’s, they are more likely to become blocked and infected. A child’s adenoids are also much larger than an adult’s in relative terms.

These are the main reasons why more than 75% of middle ear infections occur in children younger than 10, with most cases affecting infants between 6 and 15 months old.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing a middle ear infection include:

  • attending a nursery or day care centre – this increases the chances of a child being exposed to infections from other children
  • being exposed to tobacco smoke (passive smoking)
  • being fed formula milk, rather than breast milk
  • having a family history of middle ear infections
  • feeding your child while they are lying flat on their back
  • using a dummy
  • having a cleft palate – a type of birth defect where a child has a split in the roof of their mouth
  • having Down’s syndrome – a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and a characteristic range of physical features

Glossary

Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.  
Immune system
The immune system is the body’s defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some cause illness and disease and  others are good for you.
Chronic
Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Published Date
2014-05-02 15:25:44Z
Last Review Date
2014-03-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-03-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Ear,Ear infections,Eardrum perforation,Glue ear,Immune system,Otitis media






NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

Complications of middle ear infection

Serious complications of middle ear infections (otitis media) are much rarer now than they were in the past.

However, very young children are still at risk of developing complications because their immune systems are still developing.

Some of the main complications associated with middle ear infections are detailed below.

Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis can develop if an infection spreads out of the middle ear and into the area of bone underneath the ear (the mastoids).

Symptoms of mastoiditis can include:

  • a high temperature (fever)
  • swelling behind the ear, which pushes it forward 
  • redness and tenderness or pain behind the ear
  • a creamy discharge from the ear 
  • headache
  • hearing loss

Mastoiditis is usually treated in hospital with antibiotics given through a drip directly into a vein. In some cases, surgery may be required to drain the ear and remove the infected mastoid bone.

Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells inside the ear that can sometimes develop as a result of recurring or persistent middle ear infections.

If it is not treated, a cholesteatoma can eventually damage the delicate structures deep inside your ear, such as the tiny bones that are essential for hearing.

Symptoms of a cholesteatoma can include:

  • hearing loss
  • weakness in half your face
  • dizziness
  • tinnitus (hearing sounds from inside their body rather than from an outside source)

In most cases, surgery is required to remove a cholesteatoma.

Labyrinthitis

In some cases, an infection in the middle ear can spread into the inner ear and affect the delicate structure deep inside the ear called the labyrinth. This is known as labyrinthitis.

Symptoms of labyrinthitis can include:

  • dizziness
  • vertigo (the feeling that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning)
  • loss of balance
  • hearing loss

The symptoms of labyrinthitis usually pass within a few weeks, although medication to relieve the symptoms and treat the underlying infection may sometimes be prescribed. Read more about treating labyrinthitis.

Problems with speech and language development

If your child has frequent ear infections that affect their hearing while they are very young, there is a risk their speech and language development may be affected.

Contact your GP for advice if you are concerned about your child’s development at any point.

Facial paralysis

In very rare cases, the swelling associated with otitis media can cause the facial nerve to become compressed. The facial nerve is a section of nerve that runs through the skull and is used by the brain to control facial expressions.

Compression of the nerve can lead to a person being unable to move some or all of their face. This is known as facial paralysis.

This can be frightening when it first occurs, as many parents are concerned their child may have experienced a stroke. However, the condition usually resolves once the underlying infection has passed and rarely causes any long-term problems.

Meningitis

A very rare and serious complication of a middle ear infection is meningitis. This can occur if the infection spreads to the protective outer layer of the brain and spinal chord (the meninges).

Symptoms of meningitis can include:

  • severe headache
  • being sick
  • a high temperature (fever)
  • stiff neck
  • sensitivity to light
  • rapid breathing
  • a blotchy red rash that does not fade or change colour when you place a glass against it (although this is not always present)

If you think your child may have meningitis, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Meningitis caused by a bacterial infection is usually treated in hospital with antibiotics given through a drip directly into a vein. Read more about treating meningitis.

Brain abscess

Another very rare and serious complication of a middle ear infection is a brain abscess. This is a pus-filled swelling that develops inside the brain.

Symptoms of a brain abscess can include:

  • a severe headache
  • changes in mental state, such as confusion
  • weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
  • a high temperature (fever)
  • seizures (fits) 

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a brain abscess, call 999 for an ambulance.

A brain abscess is usually treated using a combination of antibiotics and surgery. The surgeon will usually open the skull and drain the pus from the abscess or remove the abscess entirely. Read more about treating brain abscesses

Glossary

Numbing
Numbness refers to a lack of sensation in a part of the body.
Brain
The brain controls thought, memory and emotion. It sends messages to the body controlling movement, speech and senses.
Swelling
Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.

Related Videos (Embedded)

  • <script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript"
    src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js"></script>
    <object id="myExperience" class="BrightcoveExperience" title="Meningitis real story – Video">
    <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
    <param name="width" value="400" />
    <param name="height" value="265" />
    <param name="playerID" value="3361974660001" />
    <param name="playerKey"
    value="AQ~~,AAAAEpfAbfE~,yevtyUjzDUlb5W3PLYoBWElMuEVDf5JW" />
    <param name="isVid" value="true" />
    <param name="isUI" value="true" />
    <param name="dynamicStreaming" value="true" />
    <param name="@videoPlayer" value="681703924001" />
    <param name="cacheAMFURL"
    value="https://share.brightcove.com/services/messagebroker/amf"/>
    <param name="secureConnections" value="true" />
    </object>
    <script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script><noscript><a href="http://www.nhs.uk/flashcont/altflash/MeningitisCS.htm">Read transcript for video – Meningitis real story</a></noscript>
Published Date
2014-05-02 11:36:04Z
Last Review Date
2014-03-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-03-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Ear,Ear discharge,Ear infections,Ear, nose and throat specialists,Eardrum perforation,Hearing impairment,Otitis media






NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

Diagnosing middle ear infection

A middle ear infection (otitis media) can usually be diagnosed using an instrument called an otoscope.

An otoscope is a small handheld device that has a magnifying glass and a light source at the end. It is used to examine the ear. Using an otoscope, a doctor can detect certain signs that indicate fluid in the middle ear, which in turn may indicate an infection.

Signs of fluid in the middle ear can include the ear drum bulging, being an unusual colour (usually red or yellow) or having a cloudy appearance. In some cases, a hole may have developed in the eardrum (perforated ear drum) and there may be fluid in the ear canal (the tube between the outer ear and eardrum).

Some otoscopes can also be used to blow a small puff of air into the ear to check for any blockages in the middle ear, which could be a sign of an infection. If the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the throat and middle ear) is clear, the eardrum will move slightly. If it is blocked, the eardrum will remain still.

Further tests

Further tests are normally only required if treatment is not working or complications develop. These tests will usually be carried out at your local ear, nose and throat (ENT) department.

Some of the tests that may be carried out are described below.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is a test that measures how the ear drum reacts to changes in air pressure. A healthy ear drum should move easily if there is a change in air pressure. If your child’s ear drum moves slowly or not at all, it usually suggests that there is fluid behind it.

During a tympanometry test, a probe is placed into your child’s ear. The probe changes the air pressure at regular intervals while transmitting a sound into the ear. A measuring device is attached to the probe to record how the drum moves and how changes in air pressure affect this movement.

If the movement of the eardrum is restricted, it usually indicates that there is fluid in the middle ear.

Audiometry

Audiometry is a hearing test that uses a machine called an audiometer to produce sounds of different volume and frequency. This can help determine if your child has any hearing loss as a result of their condition.

During the test, your child listens to the sounds through headphones and they are asked to say when they can hear a sound and when they cannot.

Scans

On the very rare occasions where there is a possibility the infection has spread out of the middle ear and into the surrounding area, a computerised tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be carried out.

A CT scan takes a series of X-rays and uses a computer to assemble the scans into a more detailed image, whereas an MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the inside of the body.

Published Date
2014-05-02 15:17:07Z
Last Review Date
2014-03-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-03-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Ear,Otitis media






NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

Introduction

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that is particularly common in young children. 

Although anyone can develop a middle ear infection, 75% of cases occur in children under 10. Infants between 6 and 15 months old are most commonly affected.

It’s estimated that around one in every four children will have had at least one middle ear infection by the time they are 10 years old.

Signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection

Signs that a young child might have an ear infection include:

  • pulling, tugging, or rubbing their ear
  • a high temperature (fever)
  • irritability
  • poor feeding
  • restlessness at night
  • a lack of response to quiet sounds

Older children and adults may have earache, be sick and experience slight hearing loss.

Read more about the symptoms of middle ear infections.

When to seek medical advice

Most cases of otitis media pass within a few days, so there’s usually no need to see your GP.

However, you should take your child to see a GP if their symptoms show no sign of improvement after two or three days, they seem to be in a lot of pain, or you notice a discharge of pus or fluid from their ear.

You should also contact your GP if your child has an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease, which could make them more vulnerable to complications.

Read more about diagnosing middle ear infections.

How middle ear infections are treated

Most ear infections clear up within three to five days and don’t need any specific treatment. If necessary, paracetamol or ibuprofen (appropriate for the child’s age) should be used to relieve pain and a high temperature.

Antibiotics are not routinely used to treat middle ear infections, although they may occasionally be prescribed if symptoms persist or are particularly severe.

Read more about treating middle ear infections.

What causes middle ear infections?

The middle ear is located directly behind the eardrum. It contains three tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the hearing organ in the inner ear.

Most middle ear infections occur when a viral or bacterial infection such as a cold causes mucus to build up in the middle ear, which then becomes infected.

Younger children are particularly vulnerable to this type of infection because the tube that allows fresh air into the middle ear (the Eustachian tube) is smaller than it is in adults.

Read more about the causes of middle ear infections.

Can middle ear infections be prevented?

It’s not possible to prevent middle ear infections, but there are some things you can do that may reduce your child’s risk of developing the condition. These include:

  • make sure your child is up-to-date with their routine vaccinations – particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib (5-in-1) vaccine
  • avoid exposing your child to smoky environments (passive smoking)
  • don’t give your child a dummy once they are older than 6 to 12 months old
  • don’t feed your child while they are lying flat on their back
  • if possible, feed your baby with breast milk rather than formula milk

Avoiding contact with other children who are unwell may also help reduce your child’s chances of catching an infection that could lead to a middle ear infection.

Further problems

Complications of middle ear infections are fairly rare, but can be serious if they do occur.

Most complications are the result of the infection spreading to another part of the ear or head, including the bones behind the ear (mastoiditis), the inner ear (labyrinthitis), or the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

If complications do develop, these often need to be treated immediately with antibiotics in hospital.

Read more about the complications of middle ear infections.

Published Date
2014-05-02 15:50:27Z
Last Review Date
2014-03-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-03-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Ear,Ear infections,Glue ear,Otitis media




Middle ear infection (otitis media) – NHS Choices






























































Middle ear infection (otitis media) 

Introduction 


Media last reviewed:

Next review due:

Glue ear

In some cases, the middle ear can become filled with fluid for long periods, causing hearing difficulties. This is known as otitis media with effusion, or “glue ear”.

Read more about glue ear.

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that is particularly common in young children. 

Although anyone can develop a middle ear infection, 75% of cases occur in children under 10. Infants between 6 and 15 months old are most commonly affected.

It’s estimated that around one in every four children will have had at least one middle ear infection by the time they are 10 years old.

Signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection

Signs that a young child might have an ear infection include:

  • pulling, tugging, or rubbing their ear
  • a high temperature (fever)
  • irritability
  • poor feeding
  • restlessness at night
  • a lack of response to quiet sounds

Older children and adults may have earache, be sick and experience slight hearing loss.

Read more about the symptoms of middle ear infections.

When to seek medical advice

Most cases of otitis media pass within a few days, so there’s usually no need to see your GP.

However, you should take your child to see a GP if their symptoms show no sign of improvement after two or three days, they seem to be in a lot of pain, or you notice a discharge of pus or fluid from their ear.

You should also contact your GP if your child has an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease, which could make them more vulnerable to complications.

Read more about diagnosing middle ear infections.

How middle ear infections are treated

Most ear infections clear up within three to five days and don’t need any specific treatment. If necessary, paracetamol or ibuprofen (appropriate for the child’s age) should be used to relieve pain and a high temperature.

Antibiotics are not routinely used to treat middle ear infections, although they may occasionally be prescribed if symptoms persist or are particularly severe.

Read more about treating middle ear infections.

What causes middle ear infections?

The middle ear is located directly behind the eardrum. It contains three tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the hearing organ in the inner ear.

Most middle ear infections occur when a viral or bacterial infection such as a cold causes mucus to build up in the middle ear, which then becomes infected.

Younger children are particularly vulnerable to this type of infection because the tube that allows fresh air into the middle ear (the Eustachian tube) is smaller than it is in adults.

Read more about the causes of middle ear infections.

Can middle ear infections be prevented?

It’s not possible to prevent middle ear infections, but there are some things you can do that may reduce your child’s risk of developing the condition. These include:

  • make sure your child is up-to-date with their routine vaccinations – particularly the pneumococcal vaccine and the DTaP/IPV/Hib (5-in-1) vaccine
  • avoid exposing your child to smoky environments (passive smoking)
  • don’t give your child a dummy once they are older than 6 to 12 months old
  • don’t feed your child while they are lying flat on their back
  • if possible, feed your baby with breast milk rather than formula milk

Avoiding contact with other children who are unwell may also help reduce your child’s chances of catching an infection that could lead to a middle ear infection.

Further problems

Complications of middle ear infections are fairly rare, but can be serious if they do occur.

Most complications are the result of the infection spreading to another part of the ear or head, including the bones behind the ear (mastoiditis), the inner ear (labyrinthitis), or the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

If complications do develop, these often need to be treated immediately with antibiotics in hospital.

Read more about the complications of middle ear infections.

Page last reviewed: 07/03/2014

Next review due: 07/03/2016

Ratings

How helpful is this page?



Average rating

Based on
154
ratings

All ratings











Add your rating

Comments

The 1 comments posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

mona aeysha said on 26 August 2013

I am not a doctor but I will write my personal experience for anybody who could get some help out of it.
a week or so before my ear was blocked. and my gp told me that wait for 2 to 3 weeks. I was in great trouble with fullness of ears, and hearing loss…..then i checked all the advice on internet……looked like I will never become the person before with full hearing ability…..
doctor told me to get steam, and someone told me that yawning and hard swallowing will help….then I starting taking steam …no progress…
finally, i laid down straight , head tilted towards earth…..and tried swallowing hard, and yawning ….I also used olive oil to massage the outer parts of ear and then around the neck , behind the ear…all area……..
you recite something in the time of going to bed ….and try to get yawn….yawn and yawn….then swallow then yawn…and a little massage…..
suddenly my ears opened….and I was relieved in one day…no more wait.
I had mucus problem..so i started warm water to drink frequently ….now my mucus in my throat is finished….so i feel better for my ears….hope it will help someone.
thanks for reading. .

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable

Kids: coughs, colds and ear infections

What to do when your child has a minor illness such as a cough, cold, sore throat or ear infection

Earache

What you can do, when to call your GP and the most likely causes










NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

See what the doctor sees with Map of Medicine

The Map of Medicine is used by doctors throughout the NHS to determine the best treatment options for their patients. NHS Choices offers everyone in England exclusive and free access to this cutting-edge internet resource, which lets you see exactly what your doctor sees.

The information in the Map has been approved by the UK’s leading clinical experts, is based on the best available clinical evidence, and is continually updated. To take advantage of this unique resource go to:

Map of Medicine: acute otitis media in children and adolescents 

Published Date
2014-03-06 15:09:48Z
Last Review Date
2010-04-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2012-04-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Otitis media






NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

Symptoms of middle ear infection

In most cases, the symptoms of a middle ear infection (otitis media) develop quickly and resolve in a few days. This is known as acute otitis media.

The main symptoms of acute otitis media include:

In some cases, a hole may develop in the eardrum (perforated eardrum) and pus may run out of the ear. The earache, which is caused by the build-up of fluid stretching the eardrum, then resolves.

Although it’s less common than acute otitis media, some children have a persistent and painless discharge from their ear that lasts for many months as a result of an ear infection. This is known as chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). 

Symptoms in babies

As babies are unable to communicate the source of their discomfort, it can be difficult to tell what is wrong with them. Signs your baby may have an ear infection include:

  • pulling, tugging or rubbing their ear
  • irritability
  • poor feeding
  • restlessness at night
  • coughing 
  • a runny nose
  • diarrhoea
  • unresponsiveness to quiet sounds or other signs of difficulty hearing, such as inattentiveness
  • loss of balance

When to seek medical advice

As most cases of otitis media pass within a few days, there’s usually no need to see your GP.

However, you should take your child to see a GP if their symptoms show no sign of improvement after two or three days, they seem to be in a lot of pain, or you notice a discharge of pus or fluid from their ear.

You should also contact your GP if your child has an underlying health condition, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease, which could make them more vulnerable to complications.

Glossary

Acute
Acute means occurring suddenly or over a short period of time.
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign that it has been damaged.
Fever
A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone’s body temperature rises above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).
Vomiting
Vomiting is when you bring up the contents of your stomach through your mouth.
Chronic
Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Published Date
2014-05-02 15:29:30Z
Last Review Date
2014-03-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-03-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Ear infections,Glue ear,Otitis media






NHS Choices Syndication


Ear infection, inner

Treating middle ear infection

Most middle ear infections (otitis media) will clear up within three days and don’t need any specific treatment.

You can relieve any pain and a high temperature using over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age.

Placing a warm flannel or washcloth over the affected ear may also help relieve pain until the condition passes.

Antibiotics

The routine use of antibiotics to treat middle ear infections is not recommended as there is no evidence that they speed up the healing process. Many cases are caused by viruses, which antibiotics are ineffective against.

Using antibiotics to treat minor bacterial infections also increases the likelihood of bacteria becoming resistant to them over time. This means more serious infections could become untreatable in the future. Read about antibiotic resistance for more information.

Antibiotics are therefore usually only considered if:

  • your child has a serious health condition that makes them more vulnerable to complications, such as cystic fibrosis or congenital heart disease
  • your child is less than three months old, or they are less than two years old and have an infection in both ears
  • your child’s symptoms are severe
  • your child has discharge coming from their ear
  • your child’s symptoms show no signs of improvement after four days

If antibiotics are needed, a five-day course of an antibiotic called amoxicillin is usually prescribed. This is often given as a liquid suspension that your child has to drink. Common side effects of amoxicillin include a rash, feeling sick and diarrhoea.

If your child is allergic to amoxicillin, an alternative antibiotic such as erythromycin may be used.

In some cases, your GP may give you a prescription that you can choose to pick up a few days later if your child’s condition hasn’t improved by then.

Adults and children who develop a long-term middle ear infection (chronic suppurative otitis media) may benefit from short courses of antibiotic ear drops.

Grommets

For children with recurrent severe middle ear infections, tiny tubes may be inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid. These tubes are called grommets.

Grommets are inserted under general anaesthetic, which means your child will be asleep and won’t feel any pain. The procedure usually only takes about 15 minutes and your child should be able to go home the same day.

A grommet will help keep the eardrum open for several months. As the eardrum starts to heal, the grommet will slowly be pushed out of the eardrum and will eventually fall out. This process happens naturally and should not be painful. Most grommets will fall out within 6 to 12 months of being inserted.

Some children will need another procedure to replace the grommets if they are still experiencing problems.

Glossary

Chronic
Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.
Antibiotic
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin.
Pain
Pain is an unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that your body produces as a warning sign it has been damaged.
Fever
A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone’s body temperature rises above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).
Antihistamines
Antihistamine medicine counteracts the action of histamine (a chemical released during an allergic reaction). For example loratadine, hydroxyzine.
Swelling
Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Acute
Acute means occurring suddenly or over a short period of time.
Decongestants
Decongestant medicine relieves congestion by reducing the swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses and drying up the mucus.
Published Date
2014-05-02 13:48:01Z
Last Review Date
2014-03-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2016-03-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Antibiotics,Aspirin,Glue ear,Otitis media


Leave a Reply

*