Are There Different Types of Ear Infections?

Ear infections affect millions of Americans every year, and while these infections are typically associated with kids, plenty of adults get them, too. Fortunately, most ear infections clear up with prompt medical treatment. But when care is delayed, complications can occur, including permanent loss of hearing.

When most people think of ear infections, they think of infections of the middle ear, but that’s just one type of infection. In this month’s blog, our Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy team reviews the three main ear infection types — and how we can help treat them.

Outer ear infections (otitis externa)

Sometimes referred to as “swimmer’s ear,” otitis externa affects the outer portion of the ear canal — the area that extends from the eardrum to the outside “cup” of the ear. 

This type of infection often happens when water gets trapped inside the ear (hence the nickname, swimmer’s ear), but it can also be associated with ear trauma, allergies, and skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically include ear pain, redness, swelling, and ear discharge. Ear pain often worsens when the ear is touched or when pressure is applied, like lying with your head on a pillow. In more severe cases, swelling in the outer ear can interfere with normal hearing. 

Treatment

Otitis externa treatment depends on the underlying cause. When bacterial or fungal infections are involved, antibiotics or antifungal medications are very effective. It’s also important to avoid additional irritation and to keep the ear dry while it heals.

Middle ear infections (otitis media)

Like its name implies, a middle ear infection involves the middle portion of your ear — the area located beyond the eardrum. Middle ear infections are especially common among younger kids whose ear canals are still developing. Middle ear infections can happen on their own or as a consequence of a cold or other respiratory infection that makes it harder for the ear to drain.

Symptoms

Otitis media infections cause symptoms like inner ear pain, a feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear, and often fever. Swelling can temporarily interfere with hearing, and without prompt treatment, the eardrum may burst as pressure inside the ear builds.

Treatment

Like external ear infections, middle ear infections respond well to medication to help destroy germs and relieve inflammation. Warm compresses and over-the-counter fever reducing medications can also help. 

Chronic middle ear infections may benefit from minimally invasive procedures to improve drainage and prevent more serious complications, including permanent hearing loss.

Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis)

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis (or neuronitis) affect the inner structures of the ear, or the vestibular nerve — structures that play key roles in both hearing and balance. Usually, these infections are caused by viral or bacterial infections, but some inner ear infections may be associated with autoimmune disorders, too.

Symptoms

Because the inner ear is intricately involved in balance, inner ear infections frequently cause symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and nausea, along with hearing symptoms, like tinnitus or “ringing” in the ears. Unlike outer and middle ear infections, inner ear infections don’t directly cause pain.

Treatment

Inner ear infection treatment may involve antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the underlying cause. Medications can also help relieve nausea and dizziness.

The importance of prompt medical care

Ear symptoms should never be ignored, even if they seem mild. Without prompt care, infections can quickly become worse, leading to permanent hearing loss or other serious problems, like widespread infection.

During your evaluation, our team uses special techniques to evaluate your symptoms and identify their root cause, providing treatment focused on relieving symptoms and preventing the underlying problem from progressing.

Treating ear infections is essential at any age, but it’s especially important in kids, where infections tend to happen more frequently. In kids, a delay in care can lead to problems with speech development and learning, in addition to the possibility of permanent hearing loss.

Take steps to protect your hearing ASAP

If you’re experiencing ear pain, pressure, drainage, dizziness, or hearing changes, having a medical evaluation is the best way to determine what’s causing it so it can be treated before complications occur. 

To learn what’s causing your ear-related symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.