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Otitis Causes and Risks:
Otitis, or ear infection, can affect the internal ear or the external ear. Otitis is classified according to whether it occurs suddenly (acute) or slowly (chronic).
Specific types of ear infection include:
Prevention:
See the specific types of otitis.
Symptoms:
Any of the following, or other symptoms, may indicate otitis: - earache
- itching or other discomfort in the ear or ear canal
- drainage from the ear
- hearing loss
- ear noise or buzzing
Other symptoms that may sometimes occur:
Signs and Tests:
Physical examination of the ears, with or without an instrument ( otoscope ), may show signs typical of otitis. For example, otitis externa often shows a red, painful external ear. Otitis media may cause redness and/or swelling of the eardrum.
Treatment:
Treatment usually includes antibiotics or other antimicrobials, depending on the suspected cause of the infection.
Prognosis:
Most types of ear infection respond readily to treatment.
Complications:
See the specific types of otitis.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of otitis are present.
This is an illustration of the external, middle, and inner ear. The detailed section is of the eardrum and the three tiny bones that conduct sound from the drum to the cochlea.
This is an illustration of the outside of the ear showing normal landmarks and several abnormal features including: earlobe creases, a preauricular pit, and a preauricular tag.
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