Earbuds are a common accessory for many, but their use raises concerns about potential ear infections. According to Michaelides, if earbuds don’t fit properly, they can cause irritation in the ear canal. Prolonged use increases moisture buildup, making ears more susceptible to infections or irritation.
Swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal, typically results from moisture aiding bacterial growth. It’s more common among frequent swimmers, hence the name “swimmer’s ear.” The usual treatment involves medicated antibiotic eardrops.
Unlike swimmer’s ear, which affects the external ear canal, chronic middle ear infections can lead to hearing loss, eardrum perforation, and may require surgery if severe. These infections can cause significant damage and conductive hearing loss if not addressed. Conductive hearing loss occurs when fluid or infection behind the eardrum obstructs sound transmission.
Research on the human inner ear has highlighted the impact of viruses like cytomegalovirus, mumps virus, and hepatitis viruses, which can cause deafness. The exact mechanisms of how these viruses affect hearing are not well-understood. The inner ear is separated from the rest of the ear by the bony labyrinth, which encloses the cochlea, semicircular canals, and vestibule. Inner ear infections, typically viral, don’t usually stem from external pathways like the external auditory canal or Eustachian tube.
Chronic middle ear infections that persist for over three months or worsen may necessitate surgery. While various factors can cause an ear infection, it’s often bacteria entrenched in the bone that are responsible. ENT specialists, particularly those focusing on the ear (otologists), are equipped to handle such cases.
The three most common bacteria causing middle ear infections are Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Before the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, these bacteria were responsible for 60% to 70% of all ear infections in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
For more detailed information, refer to the following sources:
Rush,
Mayo Clinic Health System,
University of Utah Health,
MIT News,
Harvard University,
Kenyon College MicrobeWiki,
UC Irvine Medical Center, and
University of Virginia.
