Ear Infection

Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the entrance to the ear canal and eardrum.

Symptoms of otitis externa include:

·        Earache

·        Itchiness and swelling in the ear canal

·        Discharge from the Ear Canal

·        Temporary Hearing Loss

With treatment,these symptoms should clear up within a few days. However, some cases can persist for several months or longer.

What causes otitis externa?

Most cases of otitis externa are caused by a bacterial infection, although the condition can also be caused by:

·        Irritation

·        Fungal infections

·        Allergies

There are a number of things that can make you more likely to develop otitis externa, including:

·        Regularly getting water in your ear

·        Insertion of Hearing Aids

Otitis Media

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum.

Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between six and 15 months old are most commonly affected.

It's estimated that around one in every four children experience at least one middle ear infection by the time they're 10 years old.

Symptoms of a 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 include:

·        A Increase In Body Temperature (fever)[SL1] 

·        A lack of energy

·        Slight hearing loss – If the middle ear becomes filled with fluid, hearing loss may be a sign of glue ear (Most Common In Children)

·        Ears feeling Full

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

What causes middle ear infections?

Most middle ear infections occur when an infection such as a cold, leads to a build-up of mucus in the middle ear and causes the Eustachian tube (a thin tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose) to become swollen or blocked.

This mean mucus can't drain away properly, making it easier for an infection to spread into the middle ear.

 [SL1]

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