Ear Infections
Treatment for Middle and Outer Ear Infections
Infections of the ear are common in toddlers and small children, and can occur in the middle part of the ear (otitis media) or in the outer part of the ear (swimmer’s ear). Each infection type has different causes and methods of treatment. At Virginia Ear, Nose and Throat, our ENT specialists are experienced in swiftly treating infections of the ear so your child can get relief from their symptoms as quickly as possible. In some cases, our physicians may recommend a tube insertion procedure to prevent frequent infections.
What is a Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)?
Infections of the middle ear are most common in infants and toddlers, with 80% of children having two or more infections by their second birthday. They become less prominent as children age, and most children outgrow infections of this variety by age 3.
An infection of the middle ear (otitis media) occurs behind the eardrum when thick fluid or mucus accumulates in this space. This buildup often happens because the Eustachian tube—which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose—is not functioning properly. Excess fluid and mucus lead to ear pressure, discomfort, mild hearing loss and/or infection.
Symptoms of Middle Ear Infection
The onset of otitis media symptoms is typically rapid. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
While some ear infections will go away on their own, most should be evaluated and treated by a medical professional. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, call our team at Virginia Ear, Nose & Throat at (804) 484-3700 to schedule an appointment.
Treatment for Middle Ear Infections
Otitis media is usually treated with antibiotics and other medications to alleviate congestion. After starting antibiotics, the infection should subside after a few days, and the fluid should resolve after a few weeks. If your child is experiencing frequent or particularly painful infections, or the fluid has not subsided after a few weeks, your provider may recommend ear tubes.
During a tube insertion procedure, our team will insert a small (3 mm long) silicone-coated plastic tube through the ear canal and into the eardrum to facilitate drainage. This procedure is quick and safe, lasting only 5 to 10 minutes under general anesthesia. Tubes last approximately 6 to 12 months, and do not need to be reinserted.
To learn more about this procedure and post-operative instructions, click here.
Treatment for Middle Ear Infections
An infection in the outer ear, also known as swimmer’s ear, affects the ear’s outer structures. This infection occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal after swimming, bathing, showering or another activity in which moisture gets in the ears. When this happens, bacteria can multiply, leading to irritation and infection. While there is no foolproof way to prevent swimmer’s ear, keeping the ears as dry as possible after swimming or bathing can help to reduce your risk.
Symptoms of an Outer Ear Infection
Swimmer’s ear can occur in both children and adults. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
Patients with swimmer’s ear may also experience a mild fever, though this is not always the case.
Treatment for Outer Ear Infections
The best way to know whether you have swimmer’s ear is to schedule an appointment with our team at Virginia Ear, Nose and Throat for an evaluation. If your provider determines you have swimmer’s ear, they may prescribe acidic ear drops to dry up the trapped moisture or antibiotic drops.
In more severe cases of swimmer’s ear, our team may clean the ear canal, apply suction to remove the moisture or place a medication-soaked sponge in the ear canal for 24-48 hours.
