Otitis media is inflammation or infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum. It is common in children but can also occur in adults. Understanding otitis media symptoms, causes and treatment options can help people recognise when further assessment may be appropriate.
What Is Otitis Media?
Otitis media develops when the Eustachian tube, which helps regulate pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear, does not function normally. This can lead to fluid accumulation, inflammation or infection behind the eardrum.
Common types include acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion and chronic suppurative otitis media.
Common Symptoms of Otitis Media
Symptoms can vary between individuals but they also depend on the type of infection present. Symptoms can also be less obvious in young children.
Possible symptoms include:
- Ear pain or discomfort
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Fever in some cases
- Irritability or unsettled behaviour in infants and young children
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fluid or discharge if the eardrum has perforated
- Reduced responsiveness to sound in children
Not all cases cause pain or fever.
Causes and Risk Factors
Otitis media commonly follows a cold, respiratory infection or nasal congestion. Children are more susceptible because their Eustachian tubes (the tiny tubes connecting the nose to the ear) are shorter and positioned differently from those of adults.
Other contributing factors may include allergies, a dysfunctional Eustachian tube, exposure to cigarette smoke, enlarged adenoids and a history of repeated ear infections.
When Should You Seek Professional Care?
Medical advice may be appropriate when ear symptoms persist, recur or affect hearing. Assessment is particularly relevant when there is ongoing pain, fever, ear discharge, persistent hearing changes, repeated infections or concerns about a child’s hearing or speech development.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, symptoms and examination findings. Options may include monitoring, pain relief, antibiotics in selected cases, hearing assessment or referral for further investigation.
Microsuction is commonly used to remove wax or debris from the external ear canal when clinically indicated. However, it does not treat infection or fluid within the middle ear. Microsuction will also help to remove wax or infection that is blocking the visibility of the eardrum, making medical review difficult.
What to Expect at an Ear Assessment
An appointment generally includes a discussion of symptoms and medical history, followed by examination of the ear canal and eardrum. Wax, discharge, middle ear fluid and infection will be documented.
If the eardrum cannot be fully assessed, or findings require further investigation, referral to a GP, audiologist or ENT specialist may be recommended. Multiple appointments may sometimes be required depending on the presentation.
About The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears
The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears provide ear care in Melbourne by registered nurses trained in aural care. Assessments and wax removal are undertaken according to the individual presentation and examination findings.
If you have ongoing ear symptoms or concerns about hearing, you may wish to contact your GP or an appropriate ear health professional for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Adults can experience middle ear inflammation or infection, often following respiratory illness or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
No. Treatment depends on the cause and clinical presentation. Often, there will a period of watchful observation before antibiotics are commenced.
Yes. Fluid or inflammation behind the eardrum can temporarily reduce hearing.
Visit the Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears
If you are experiencing ear discomfort, a feeling of blockage, reduced hearing or concerns about a possible ear infection, you may wish to arrange an assessment with The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears in Melbourne.
Our registered nurses trained in aural care can assess the external ear canal and examine the eardrum where visible. Depending on the findings, care may include removal of wax or debris using microsuction where clinically indicated. Where symptoms or examination findings suggest a condition requiring further investigation or medical management, appropriate advice or referral may be recommended. Our nurses treat all ages.
Ear symptoms can have several possible causes, and assessment helps guide the next steps according to your individual presentation.