Wilderness: Ear Infection

• Ear Infection Overview
• Ear Infection Symptoms
• Ear Infection Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Ear Infection Overview

Infection can affect the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle ear (otitis media). Most ear injuries are caused by pressure changes during direct injury (such as a blow to the ear) or sport scuba diving, but, a persistently painful ear may signal an infection that requires treatment. Because an ear scope (otoscope) may not be available to examine the canal and inner ear in remote locations, starting therapy may be appropriate until a doctor can be reached.

Picture of the outer and inner structures of the ear