Sharp or dull pain in your ear. Could it be an Ear Infection?

Understanding ear infections

Ear infections are often more common in children, but they can also occur in adults. It leads to earache and may affect one or both of your ears. Sometimes you may also get a fever, and a temporary loss of hearing along with an ear infection.

What are the common symptoms of ear infections?

The symptoms vary depending on the type of ear infection:

• Symptoms of outer ear infection include earache, muffled or temporary of hearing, fever, itching, discharge from the ear canal
• Symptoms of middle ear infection include but are not limited to ear pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, excessive fluid discharge
• Symptoms of inner ear infection include but are not limited to dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting

What are the common causes of ear infections?

• Outer ear infections are usually cased by water left inside the ear canal, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. That's why it's often referred to as a swimmer's ear.
• Middle ear infections are often from a respiratory infection that spreads to the ears.
• Inner ear infections can be due to viral infections, respiratory illnesses that spreads to the ears, stomach bugs.

An important note about using q-tips or cotton swabs

Ears naturally produce and get rid of ear wax. Sometimes there is wax build up in your ear leading to the ear canal being blocked. Using q-tips or cotton swabs can push the wax further into your ear, and worsen your condition.

Do you or your loved one need car for an earache or ear infection?

Some ear infections clear up on their own without any intervention. If over-the-counter medication isn't providing relief or if the symptoms persist, we're here to help.

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