Ear Infection Info

• Ear Infection

An ear infection is typically caused by bacteria or a virus and most often affects young children. This eMedTV article offers an overview of the most common type of ear infection (otitis media), including information about its symptoms and treatment.

• Types of Ear Infections

Otitis media, otitis externa, and otitis interna are the most common types of ear infections. This eMedTV resource looks at the different types of ear infections and focuses on otitis media and otitis externa (swimmer's ear).

• Causes of Otitis Media

Common causes of otitis media (ear infection) are bacteria or viruses that get inside the ear. This part of the eMedTV Web site explains the risk factors and causes of otitis media, as well as what happens inside the ear during an infection.

• Ear Infection Symptoms

Common ear infection symptoms may include fever, earache, ear pain, hearing loss, and dizziness. This eMedTV resource explains how ear infections occur and describes symptoms of ear infections in children and adults.

• Diagnosing an Ear Infection

A doctor diagnosing an ear infection may look in the patient's ear to see if there is any inflammation. This eMedTV Web page describes the steps involved in an ear infection diagnosis, which may include tympanometry and other tests.

• Ear Infection Treatment

For people with an ear infection, treatment most often involves antibiotics. This section of the eMedTV library discusses treatment options for an ear infection, which may also include surgery in certain circumstances.

• Antibiotics for Ear Infections

There are many types of antibiotics used to treat ear infections, including amoxicillin. This eMedTV resource provides details about the use of other antibiotics for ear infections, including Bactrim, Septra, Gantrisin, Ceclor, and Pediazole.

• Ear Infection and Hearing Loss

Ear infection and hearing loss can have a cause-effect relationship. As this eMedTV segment explains, hearing loss due to an ear infection is usually temporary; however, if left untreated, an ear infection may lead to permanent hearing impairment.

• Preventing Ear Infections

Suggestions for preventing ear infections in your child include not smoking around your child. This eMedTV Web page identifies risk factors to be aware of when attempting to prevent your child from developing an ear infection.

• Ear Infections in Children

Ear infections in children are more common than in adults. This eMedTV Web page explains why children are more prone to develop ear infections than adults. Also discussed are causes, symptoms, and treatment of ear infections.

• Ear Infections and School or Daycare

Some schools will require a doctor's note to give your child medication for an ear infection. This eMedTV Web page offers information about how to handle ear infections and school or daycare.

• Adult Ear Infections

While they are less common than ear infections in children, adult ear infections can occur. This section of the eMedTV library explains the anatomy of the ear and discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ear infections in adults.

• Ear Infection Research

Perhaps the most important area of ear infection research involves the search for a vaccine. This eMedTV article describes other research that is being conducted to increase our understanding of how to treat, diagnose, and prevent ear infections.