We use our ears for hearing, but these organs on both sides of our head play a role in numerous functions, including maintaining balance, aiding our sense of direction, and even helping our sense of taste! They contain the smallest bones in our bodies (called ossicles), possess a self-cleaning mechanism involving the jaw, and we can even make them wiggle.
Medical issues often affect this essential hearing organ, with ear infections being among the most common problems that millions experience. Several methods help manage this condition, depending on its location. But does treating this infection always require using antibiotics? Let’s examine the types of infection, their causes, and symptoms, and explore other treatment options.
Drs. Wade Han, Elvira Livigni De Armas, and the Audiology Department of the Florida Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Center assist residents of Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, with a range of medical issues, including the treatment of ear infections.
The type of infection you’re dealing with differs in each part of the ear, namely the outer, middle, and inner sections. Here are the categories of infection:
This type occurs more frequently than any other and results from fluid trapped behind the eardrum, leading to swelling and infection.
Fluid may be left after an infection has cleared, which is known as otitis media with effusion. This condition may be asymptomatic, but it can be detected with medical imaging.
The term refers to fluid reappearing in your ear with or without an infection present, which makes fighting future infections more difficult and can impact overall hearing ability.
Infections can be either bacterial, fungal, or viral. They can originate from problems such as upper respiratory infections or a condition known as swimmer’s ear, where water from swimming or bathing remains in the ear, allowing bacteria to collect. The symptoms will vary both from the type of infection and its location:
While, in rare cases, inner ear issues are the result of meningitis, most often the problem is not an infection, but rather inflammation of the inner ear.
Antibiotics manage bacterial infections, and frequently, we wait to determine if they are necessary, as infections often clear up on their own, especially in acute cases (though in severe infections, they are used sooner). Additionally, antibiotics can’t treat viral or fungal infections, so they can’t be used in every case. However, not all infections are managed the same way.
Mild infections can be handled by treating the symptoms as the infection runs its course, with decongestants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antihistamines, and ear drops. Hydrogen peroxide can help remove earwax to clear infections. If fluid buildup creates issues, ear tube surgery can help drain it.
Ear infections typically last between a few days and up to two weeks, but fluid buildup can persist for more extended periods. Antibiotics provide a solution, but not every infection will need them for treatment.
To receive the proper treatment for your ear infection issues, schedule an appointment with Drs. Han, Livigni de Armas, and Florida Ear, Nose, Throat, & Facial Plastic Surgery Center today.
