Inner, middle and outer: The difference between types of ear infection
Ear infections are common ailments that can affect different parts of the ear. But how can you tell the difference between outer, middle, and inner ear infections?
Understanding the differences can help to identify the symptoms and seek the appropriate treatment. Outer ear infections, ‘otitis externa’, are more common in adults aged between 45 and 75 and are caused by an irritation in the ear canal such as water, eczema or wearing ear plugs.
Middle ear infections, ‘otitis media’ tend to be more common in children and are often brought on by cold and flu viruses. They affect the eustachian tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose.
Inner ear infections are caused by viral or bacterial infections and affect the labyrinth and vestibular system – the parts of the ear needed for balance. Both adults and children can suffer from inner ear infections.
Can ear infections make you sick?
Yes, ear infections can make you feel unwell. Symptoms often come on quickly and depending on the type of ear infection, can include pain inside the ear, a fever, sickness, dulled hearing and discharge from the ear.
Middle ear infections (otitis media) cause the above symptoms, especially in children.
Can an ear infection cause tinnitus?
Tinnitus, synonymous with ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears, can be caused by an ear infection, particularly a middle ear infection.
Trapped fluid in the middle ear can muffle sounds causing temporary tinnitus.
Can an ear infection cause dizziness?
Dizziness is a common symptom associated with inner ear infections including labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis.
The labyrinth and vestibular system play a crucial role in maintaining balance.
When an infection such as labyrinthitis occurs, it can disrupt the signals sent from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and a sense of imbalance.
Vomiting can also be a symptom.
Can an ear infection cause jaw pain?
The pain of an ear infection in and around the ear can sometimes radiate to the jaw rather than the infection causing jaw pain.
Can an ear infection cause a headache?
The pain and pressure from a middle ear infection can sometimes cause a headache. If the infection causes swelling in the eustachian tube it can lead to ear pain and a headache.
How long will hearing loss last after an ear infection?
Temporary hearing loss can be a symptom of ear infections. It tends to clear within a few days along with other symptoms such as pain and discomfort, itching and irritation and a temperature.
When hearing loss is caused by an ear infection it can be accompanied by earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear and a discharge.
Most ear infections get better on their own within a few days. If you need help to relieve the symptoms you can speak to your pharmacist for advice on suitable treatments.
If you or your child has a regular ear infection or earache which persists for more than three days you should speak to your GP.
EarCalm Spray is used to treat outer ear infections.
It contains an antibacterial agent to target infection-causing bacteria, helping to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms in adults and children over 12 years.
Keep reading
What is swimmer's ear, its causes and treatment?
Inner, middle and outer: The difference between types of ear infection
Why EarCalm?
Earcalm’s antibacterial agent targets infection-causing bacteria, helping to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.
Available to buy over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription.
EarCalm’s active ingredient acetic acid is an antibacterial agent that helps clear the infection which helps relieve the symptoms.
For the treatment of minor infections of the outer ear
Find your nearest stockist of EarCalm Spray