1. Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures
2. Ear Infection Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
3. Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Many cases of otitis externa may be prevented by decreasing the opportunity for water or moisture to enter the ear canal by taking the following measures.

• Carefully dry the ears after swimming or bathing
• Shake out excess water in the ear.
• Hold a hair drier on a low heat setting at least 12 inches from the ear
• Wear earplugs while swimming.

Otitis externa can also be caused by putting objects into the ear canal.

• Do not use objects to clean the ear (for example, paper clips, bobby pins, or fingernails) that may tear the skin. Most people have ears that are self-cleansing, and cleaning with a cotton-tipped swab is unnecessary and potentially harmful. People who have excess wax buildup should have it removed by a health care professional who can remove the debris under direct vision using an otoscope or with ear irrigation.
• Ocassionaly, a foreign object such as an insect can cause inflammation and pain, and will need to be removed by a health care professional.

• Minimize exposure of infants and children to others with colds or upper respiratory infections. This may require altering day care visit patterns.
• Avoid bottle feeding in the supine (lying) position.
• Babies who are breastfed for the first 6 months have a decreased risk of developing ear infections.
• Eliminate pacifier use after 6 months of age.
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Keep immunizations current, including those for influenza.

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