The middle ear infection which is also called otitis media is a type of infection that is common and oftentimes painful. This usually occurs behind the eardrum. Infections in the middle ear are the results of bacteria or viruses. A middle ear infection will interfere with the normal hearing process and will result to ear pain, impaired hearing as well as other symptoms. All kinds of people can be affected with middle ear infection but this is more common in infants and also in young children.
The human ear is divided in three parts: the outer ear which includes the ear and ear canal, the middle ear which includes the eardrum and three small bones termed as the ossicles and also the inner ear. Hearing will occur as the sound waves travel through the outer ear and then into the middle ear by which it will cause vibration of the eardrum and also the ossicles. These vibrations will then be transmitted by way of the inner ear and will be converted to become electrical impulses which are being translated by the brain as sound.
The Eustachian tubes are responsible in equalizing the air pressure present in the middle ear and will allow the mucus draining from the middle ear then to the throat. But there are times when the tube will be blocked with congestion that will cause the fluid to build up from the middle ear. Bacteria or viruses may enter into the middle ear by way of the Eustachian tubes and will lead to an ear infection.
There are two kinds of middle ear infections such as:
Acute otitis media typically occurs following a viral upper respiratory tract infection just like cold or flu.
Chronic otitis media is a constant middle ear infection which will occur following acute otitis media or due to a poorly healed ruptured eardrum.
Middle ear infection treatment will vary based on the particular type of infection. The treatment will include medications taken orally, ear drops or even surgical procedures in severe conditions. In some cases, complications of middle ear infection may be serious and will result to permanent loss of hearing, brain abscess, meningitis and other problems.
Causes of middle ear infection?
Usually, fluid inside the middle ear will drain by way of the Eustachian tube then to the throat. If the Eustachian tube will be blocked or swollen, the fluid will accumulate inside the middle ear. The bacteria and viruses will grow and increase easily as fluid inside the middle ear will not drain normally. Conditions which will cause swelling or blockage of the Eustachian tube are:
- Allergies
- Exposure to smoke, fumes or toxins
- Infection of the upper respiratory tract