Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, typically caused by moisture that collects in the ear, fostering bacterial growth. It’s more prevalent in individuals who spend significant time in water, hence the name “swimmer’s ear.” The most common treatment for swimmer’s ear is medicated antibiotic eardrops.

Otitis media is the medical term for an ear infection occurring in the middle ear, just behind the eardrum. This condition arises when bacteria or viruses from the nose and throat become trapped, leading to infection marked by inflammation and fluid buildup. It’s distinct from otitis externa (swimmer’s ear), which affects the outer ear.

Ear infections are especially common in children under two years old. Parents should suspect an ear infection if a child exhibits symptoms like fever, irritability, and ear pain. While ear infections are not contagious, the colds that often lead to them are.

Chronic ear infections may present additional symptoms such as hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and sometimes ear pain or fever during acute infections. In such cases, doctors may recommend placing PE (pressure equalization) tubes to drain fluid and improve hearing if fluid persists in the ear.

If fluid behind the eardrum becomes infected with a virus or bacteria, it can lead to a middle ear infection, causing pain and fever. In children, symptoms may include fever, fussiness, balance problems, and in rare cases, facial weakness.

Chronic ear infections are usually caused by blockages in or around the Eustachian tube, which is meant to ventilate the middle ear, keeping it warm and dry. When an infection spreads to the middle ear, it can result in fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

Symptoms of middle ear infections in adults often include ear pain, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, fluid drainage (if the eardrum has ruptured), fever, and hearing loss.

An ear infection in the middle ear involves the space behind the eardrum that is typically filled with air. Symptoms can escalate to a fever greater than 100 degrees F and drainage of fluid from the ear. Vaccinations are recommended to prevent related airway inflammation that can lead to ear infections.

For more information on ear infections, visit the following resources:

Mayo Clinic Health System
Ohio State Medical Center
RUSH
University of Utah Health
Harvard Health
UC Irvine Medical Center
University Health Center
University Health Center