An “ear infection” can affect people of any age. It can be of varying degrees and the symptoms can, but don’t always include, fullness of the ears, ringing of the ears, decrease in hearing, dizziness, and fever. Many children can experience ear infections and never show symptoms, or at least are too little to report how they are feeling. Adults may not have a fever, but can notice a sudden change in their hearing. Sometimes their balance is off.
For children, if they are waking frequently at night, fuss about laying down flat, are sitting too close to the tv, or say they cannot hear the tv, you should have their hearing checked.
For adults, if they are experiencing a change in their hearing, they should see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation.
Audiologists can check for fluid in the ears with a device called a tympanometer. It will show if the ear drum is moving normally, or if it is not moving well due to something, usually fluid, is decreasing its movement. They can also test the hearing and determine if there has been a change. If there is a change of hearing, how much hearing loss has occurred and what KIND of hearing loss is there? An audiologist can test to see if only the outer and middle ears are blocking the sound, or is it the inner ear that has changed, or both. Audiologists work closely with the primary care physician and the Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeons (otolaryngologists) to provide the best treatment.
Sometimes people have an infection of the outer ear, or “ear canal”. You will hear it called “swimmer’s ear”. It is when bacteria and water have created a yeast infection in the ear canal. It can be painful and cause a swelling of the ear canal. The bacteria needs to be removed and antibiotic drops are usually prescribed by the physician.
An audiologist can help refer you to the correct physician for the best treatment.
