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Health Library Home>Conditions InDepth>Article

Conditions InDepth: Middle Ear Infection

by Alayne Ronnenberg, ScD
En Español (Spanish Version)
Main Page
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
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Resource Guide

Infections can affect the outer, middle or the inner part of the ear. Middle ear infection is the most common type. The middle ear is just behind the ear drum.

Ear infections may begin after a cold or other virus that causes nasal problems. Some can start without a known cause. Children are more likely to have ear infections than adults.

The Middle Ear

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Ear infections start when bacteria or viruses get inside the ear. A tube connects the inner ear to space behind the nose. Viruses or bacteria that cause an infection in sinuses, nose, or throat can pass up this tube to the ear. There the infection can grow. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults because:

  • Children have shorter tubes from ear to behind the nose. This makes it easier for infections to travel up to the ear.
  • Children have larger adenoids than do adults. Adenoids sit in the back of the nose. They can block the tube to the ear when they swell. It will make it hard for fluid to drain from the ear.
What are the risk factors for ear infections?
What are the symptoms of ear infections?
How is ear infection diagnosed?
What are the treatments for ear infection?
Are there screening tests for ear infections?
How can I reduce my risk of ear infection?
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
Where can I get more information about ear infections?
REFERENCES:

Acute otitis media (AOM) in Adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-otitis-media-in-adults. Updated September 4, 2019. Accessed December 5, 2019.

Acute otitis media (AOM) in Children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-otitis-media-aom-in-children. Updated September 4, 2019. Accessed December 5, 2019.

Ear infections in children. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website. Available at: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/earinfections.aspx. Updated May 12, 2017. Accessed December 5, 2019.

Lieberthal AS, Carroll AE, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics. 2013 Mar;131(3):e964-e999

Middle ear infections. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Middle-Ear-Infections.aspx. Updated February 22, 2013. Accessed December 5, 2019.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Nicole S. Meregian, PA  Last Updated: 8/25/2020

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

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Columbus, Nebraska 68602-1800
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