Middle Ear Infection: Overview
Ear infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood illnesses in the United States. Otitis Media, an infection of the middle ear, is typically caused by a prior bacterial or viral respiratory infection, or by allergies. The middle ear is normally filled with air from the Eustachian tube, a narrow channel connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. This channel can become inflamed and swollen, blocking air from traveling to the middle ear. Without proper air flow, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, causing infection over time. This middle ear infection can lead to fever, pain, irritability, and even temporary hearing loss. Children are more likely to develop this infection because their narrower, more horizontal Eustachian tubes drain poorly and are more likely to clog. This makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to spread to the middle ear. Although quite rare, repetitive or persistent ear infections can lead to complications, including the spread of infection to nearby bones. If symptoms don’t improve within two days, speak to your healthcare provider about the right treatment plan.
Middle Ear Infection: Symptoms
Otitis Media is an infection of the middle ear. The most common signs and symptoms of Otitis Media include: Ear pain, Tugging at an ear, Difficulty sleeping, Crying more than usual, Acting irritable, Difficulty hearing, Loss of balance, Fever, Drainage of fluid from the ear or Headache. Consult with your doctor if you or a loved one notices any symptoms.
Middle Ear Infection: Treatment Overview
Painful ear infections are extremely common in children by the age of five, nearly every child has experienced at least one episode. Most ear infections either resolve on their own or are effectively treated by antibiotics. But sometimes ear infections and/or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to other issues, such as hearing loss, or behavior and speech problems. In these cases, insertion of an ear tube by an otolaryngologist, ear nose and throat specialist, may be considered. If your child suffers from frequent ear infections, talk to your doctor about whether ear tubes are a good option.
Ear Tubes: Overview
Ear tubes are often recommended when a person experiences repeated middle ear infections, or has hearing loss caused by the persistent presence of middle ear fluid. These conditions most commonly occur in children, but can also be present in teens and adults and can lead to speech and balance problems, hearing loss, or changes in the structure of the ear drum. Ear tubes are inserted during an outpatient surgical procedure called a myringotomy. First, a tiny incision is made in the ear drum. Next, the surgeon will remove the fluid from the middle ear and insert a tiny ear tube into the eardrum. This will allow air to reach the middle ear and also allow any future fluid to drain. Ear drops may be administered after the ear tube is placed and may also be prescribed for a few days after the procedure. Ear tube surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Over time, ear tubes will come out on their own, and the drainage holes will heal. This usually occurs within a year. In some cases, your doctor may recommend removing obstructive adenoid tissue while ear tubes are placed. Current research indicates that removing adenoid tissue along with placing ear tubes can reduce the risk of recurrent ear infections and the need for repeat surgery.
Ear Tubes: Post-Op
After myringotomy surgery, patients are monitored, and can typically go home within an hour. Patients usually experience littler if any postoperative pain, but grogginess, irritability, and nausea from the anesthesia may occur. Any hearing loss caused by the presence of middle ear fluid should be resolved after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops for a few days after the procedure. If hearing loss is present before the tubes are placed, a hearing test will be performed at your follow up office visit to make sure that hearing has improved. Ear tube surgery is an extremely common and safe procedure with minimal complications. When complications do occur, they may include scarring, infection, or a perforated eardrum. Usually the ear tubes stay in the eardrum for six to 12 months, and then fall out on their own. Sometimes a tube doesn’t fall out and needs to be surgically removed.
If you have questions about the ear tube procedure, talk with us today!