Ear infections, also known as otitis media, is the inflammation of the middle ear. While it is usually diagnosed in children, it can also affect adults occasionally.

Are Ear Infections Serious?

Ear infections may actually be more serious than you think. When left untreated, they can cause hearing loss. This can really affect children because it may impair learning capacity and delay speech development.

This is why it is important to recognize the symptoms so that you can undergo treatment as soon as possible.

In infants and toddlers, common symptoms include:

• Hearing issues
• Crying
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Ear drainage

In children and adults, the symptoms may differ a bit and include:

• Earache
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Hearing issues
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fever

How are Ear Infections Treated?

The first step to treating an ear infection is to schedule an exam at our office. There, one of our doctors will use an otoscope to look into the ear. An audiogram test may be done to test for hearing loss, and a tympanogram test may be done to test the function of the Eustachian Tube. If an infection is present, one or more medications may be prescribed.

If you or your child is suffering from ear pain, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We can get you back to feeling like your best self in no time.