An earache that continues after cold symptoms subside may be indicative of a middle ear infection, or acute otitis media.
During an ear infection, the eustachian tube becomes blocked, which prevents fluid from draining out of the middle ear. As a result, fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses to grow. This can cause pain and pressure in the ears.
Common ear infection symptoms in adults include:
- Pain in one or both ears
- Drainage from the affected ear(s)
- Muffled hearing
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Problems with balance (this is rare)
Because these symptoms can occur with other conditions, it’s important to talk to your primary care physician as soon as possible. An untreated ear infection can cause complications, such as impaired hearing, spreading of infection, and tearing of the eardrum.
Your primary care physician may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, also called an otolaryngologist.
At your appointment, your doctor will review your symptoms and examine your ear with a lighted instrument called an otoscope.
They may also use a pneumatic otoscope, which helps them determine if there is a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum.
Using this instrument, your doctor will gently blow air against the eardrum. If the eardrum remains stiff, it may mean the middle ear is filled with fluid, which is suggestive of an ear infection.
Typically, a pneumatic otoscope is sufficient to diagnose an ear infection, but in some cases, your doctor may also use other tests.
If you think you have an ear infection and experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care:
- High fever
- Pus or bloody fluid draining from your ear
- Severe ear pain
- Paralysis in your face
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