Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, can occur when congestion from allergies or colds blocks the Eustachian tube. This blockage leads to fluid and pressure build-up, allowing bacteria or viruses to infect the middle ear. Unlike swimmer’s ear, which affects the external ear canal, a chronic middle ear infection can cause hearing loss, holes in the eardrum, and may require surgery if severe.

Chronic ear infections cause severe damage and conductive hearing loss if left untreated. Conductive hearing loss happens when fluid or infection behind the eardrum blocks sound from reaching the inner ear. Other causes of ear pain include injuries, inflammation, infection in the ear canal, external ear and earlobe infection (cellulitis), and neuralgia caused by irritation of the nerves in the ear.

Normally, the Eustachian tube helps equalize air pressure on either side of the eardrum by allowing air to flow in and out of the middle ear. If it gets blocked, there’s less pressure in the middle ear, creating a suction that pulls the eardrum inward. This results in a full, plugged feeling in the ear and may affect hearing.

Chronic otitis media involves long-term problems with the middle ear, such as a non-healing hole (perforation) in the eardrum or a persistent middle-ear infection. The middle ear is a small bony chamber containing three tiny bones — the malleus, incus, and stapes — covered by the eardrum.

There are several types of middle ear infection:

Acute otitis media (AOM): This sudden infection causes swelling and redness in the middle ear, leading to fever, ear pain, and hearing loss.
Otitis media with effusion (OME): Following an infection, fluid and mucus may remain, causing ongoing symptoms.

Tinnitus, characterized by ringing or humming in the ears, can have many causes, including middle ear problems like infections, tumors, nerve pinching, earwax buildup, or as a symptom of Meniere’s disease.

Learn more about Middle-Ear Infection (Otitis Media) from Harvard Health, Chronic Ear Infections by the University of Utah Health, and Earache information also from Harvard Health.

For more details on the plugged-up feeling in an ear, refer to Harvard Health’s advice. Discover insights into Chronic Otitis Media, Cholesteatoma, and Mastoiditis, and learn about Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. For those experiencing tinnitus, explore Sound Therapy options from Harvard Health.