Middle Ear Infection: An infection of the ear can be the ear canal (otitis externa), the eardrum, or the middle mear (otitis media). Symptoms and signs of an ear infection include ear pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ear, nausea, vertigo, vomiting, discharge from the ear, or common cold. Treatment for an ear infection includes over-the-counter pain relievers and at times antibiotics.
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Barotrauma/Decompression Sickness
Barotrauma and decompression sickness refers to medical problems that occur during diving. These problems include decompression illness (the bends), external ear squeeze, middle ear squeeze, inner ear barotrauma, sinus squeeze, face mask squeeze, suit squeeze, lung squeeze, tooth squeeze, and gastric squeeze (aerogastralgia). Treatment is determined by the type of injury or medical problem. -
Ear Pain, Scuba Diving
Ear pain or ear squeeze is a common complaint among scuba divers. Ear pain is typically caused by a failure to equalize pressure between the interior of the ear and the outside environment. -
Wilderness: Ear Squeeze
Ear squeeze can affect a person while scuba diving. The adverse effects of pressure changes cause ear squeeze. Symptoms of ear squeeze include ear pain, fullness in the ear, tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and a discharge from the nose, mouth, or ear. Medical care should be sought if a person suffers from ear squeeze. -
Ear Tubes
Ear infections are one of the most common infection in children. Environmental and anatomy problems occur and some children are prone to multiple ear infections. When this is the case, often, ear tubes surgery (myringotomy) is recommended. Parents and caregivers should prepare the child and themselves for the procedure. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery is critical for proper healing. -
Earache
Earache is pain in the ear. An earache can be caused by infections or fungus. There are types of ear infections to include otitis externa, otitis externa (swimmer's ear), otitis media, and myringitis. Symptoms of an earache include pain in the ear, fever, fluid seeping from the ear, and headache. Treatment of earache depends on the cause. -
Earwax
Earwax, or cerumen, is a substance produced by the glands in the outer ear. Earwax has a purpose, and that is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from potentially damaging the eardrum. Causes of earwax buildup, blockage, or impaction include using Q tips or other objects to remove earwax. Symptoms of earwax buildup or blockage include decreased hearing, a fullness or plugged feeling in the ear, ear pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ear. Home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medication (drops), and excess earwax buildup and blockage removal by your health care professional are treatments for earwax buildup. -
Wilderness: Safe Diving and Wilderness Tips
Safe scuba diving and snorkeling tips include protecting marine animals while enjoying the sport, equipment care, and emergency preparedness. -
Wilderness: Sinus Squeeze
Sinus squeeze commonly occurs when a scuba diver cannot equalize sinus pressure due to nasal congestion. Symptoms of sinus squeeze include pressore or pain in the forehead, around the teeth, cheeks, or eyes, nosebleeds, and pressure or pain that increases as depth increases -
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear (also called otitis externa) is caused by a break in the skin lining the ear canal and outer ear, allowing bacteria or fungi to infect the ear. Excessive moisture in the ear, earplugs, headphones, hearing aids, and chemical hair dyes, bleaches, or shampoos may also cause swimmer's ear. The most common symptom of swimmer's ear is pain. Treatment depends on the extensiveness of the infection. -
Tinnitus
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a cause for hearing loss. Tinnitus also can be caused by ear infections, exposure to loud noises, Meniere's disease, medications, brain tumors, TMJ, and other medical conditions. Treatment for tinnitus depends upon the cause.
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Ear Infection (Otitis Media) FAQs What very common condition is responsible for causing most ear infections? MedicineNet doctors answer common frequently asked questions regarding ear infections (otitis media).
Middle Ear Infection Topic Guide - Visuals
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Middle Ear Infection Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
CefdinirCefdinir is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria...learn more »
AmoxicillinAmoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat many different types of infection caused by bacteria, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia...learn more »
CefaclorCefoxitin is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body...learn more »
CefprozilCefprozil is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria...learn more »
CefiximeCefixime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic. It works by fighting bacteria in your body...learn more »
CefuroximeCefuroxime is a cephalosporin (SEF a low spor in) antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lungs, skin, bones, joints,...learn more »