Middle Ear Infection in Adults

An infection that occurs behind the eardrum, in the middle part of the ear, is a middle ear infection or otitis media. Children are the most frequent victim of middle ear infections, but adults can develop middle ear infections as well.

Causes

Middle ear infections in adults are most often caused by a bacterial infection or virus. These viruses or bacteria can first cause colds, sore throats or other respiratory symptoms, but then spread to the middle ear.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an adult middle ear infection include fever, earache, ear pain, drainage from the ear, feeling of a blockage in the ear, dizziness and hearing difficulty.

Risk Factors

Adults who suffer allergies or have a cleft palate, Down syndrome or nervous system abnormalities are more prone to developing a middle ear infection.

Diagnosis

The doctor will conduct a physical exam of the ear to look for inflammation or fluid in the ear. The physician might recommend further tests that include a hearing evaluation.

Treatment

At times, a middle ear infection is treated by the watch-and-wait approach. If after a few days the symptoms do not go away, antibiotics, orally or ear drops, are usually prescribed.

References

• Cleveland Clinic---Otitis Media---Middle Ear Infection
• National Institute of Health---Otitis Media---Ear Infection
• Mayo Clinic---Middle Ear Infection

Resources

• University of Michigan Health System---Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
• CDC---Ear Infections
• Aurora Health Care---Conditions In-Depth: Middle Ear Infection