Infections can affect the outer ear (otitis externa) and inner ear (otitis internal).
Ear infections are eitheracute(sudden, severe, and typically short-lasting) orchronic(persistent or recurrent).
This article describes the most common causes of ear infections, including why they happen.
© Verywell, 2018
This is because themiddle earis connected to the nose and throat via a pair of canals calledeustachian tubes.
This creates negative pressure that draws mucus out of the lining of the ear.
The accumulated mucus, in turn, becomes a hotbed for infection.
Muffled hearing is also common.
It is common in younger children for many reasons but can also affectadults.
OEM causes the buildup of fluid that places pressure on the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
As a result, OEM causes a feeling of fullness in the ear rather than pain.
Thetreatmentmay involveantihistamines,decongestants, andsteroid nasal spraysto reduce congestion and relieve the blockage.
Recurrent OEM may require the temporary placement of a smallpressure equalization (PE) tubeinserted into the eardrum.
Chief among these are children under 2 years old.
Environment, anatomy, and even socioeconomics can also play a role.
Others are modifiable, and changing them may help reduce your risk of ear infections.
Modifiable and non-modifiable risks factor for otitis media include:
What Causes Outer or Inner Ear Infections?
Outer ear infections (otitis externa) andinner ear infections(otitis interna) are usually triggered by infections.
The causes andsymptomsof these infections vary significantly.
Otitis externa is less common than otitis media, affecting around one in 10 people over a lifetime.
Children, adolescents, and adults are equally at risk.
Outer ear infections are often due to contaminated water that gets into the ears while swimming.
Actual infections of the inner ear are rare.
Less commonly, a bacterial infection can cause otitis interna.
In some cases, the bacteria will release toxins that cause inner ear inflammation.
Summary
An ear infection commonly refers to a middle ear infection (otitis media).
Most are due to a virus or bacteria.
Allergies and other noninfectious conditions can also cause the buildup of fluid in the middle ear.
Children are affected more than adults.
Both children and adults are affected.
Adults have more of these infections than children.
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