What is a Middle Ear Infection?

A middle ear infection, also called otitis, occurs when the area behind the eardrum becomes inflamed as a result of a bacteria or virus. The condition is most common in children. According to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, middle ear infections occur in 80 percent of children by the time they reach age 3 (LPCH).

Types of Middle Ear Infections

There are two types of middle ear infections: acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME).

- Acute Otitis Media

This type of ear infection comes on quickly and is accompanied by swelling and redness in the ear. Fever, ear pain, and hearing impairment often occur as a result of fluid and/or mucous that is trapped in the middle ear.

- Otitis Media with Effusion

After an initial infection has gone away, sometimes mucus and fluid will continue to build up in the middle ear. This can cause the feeling of the ear being “full” and affect your ability to hear clearly.

How Do I know If I Have a Middle Ear Infection?

There are a variety of symptoms associated with middle ear infections. Some of the most common are:

- ear pain
- irritability
- difficulty sleeping
- tugging or pulling at the ears
- fever
- yellow, clear, or bloody discharge from the ears
- loss of balance
- problems hearing
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
- congestion

What Causes Ear Infections?

There are a number of reasons why children get middle ear infections. They often stem from a prior infection of the respiratory tract that spreads to the ears. When the tube that connects the middle ear to the pharynx (Eustachian tube) is blocked, fluid will collect behind the eardrum. Bacteria will often grow in the fluid, causing pain and infection.

What Is the Best Way to Treat a Middle Ear Infection?

There are a number of approaches to treating middle ear infections. Treatment will be based on your child’s age, health, and medical history. Doctors will also take into consideration the following:

- the severity of the infection
- the ability of your child to tolerate antibiotics
- opinion or preference of the parents