Symptoms
Ear infections can be caused by an infection or injury to the ear. In adults, the symptoms are:
ear pain
hearing loss
discharge from the ear
Children may usually have additional symptoms such as: difficulty sleeping. For example, pain in the jaw or teeth can be felt in the ear.
Ear infections can be:
otitis Ear infections can occur in the outer, middle and inner ear.
Otitis externa can be caused by swimming, wearing hearing aids or headphones that irritate the skin inside the ear canal, or inserting cotton or fingers into the ear canal.
Scratching or irritation of the skin of the ear canal can lead to infection. Water softens the skin of the ear, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Otitis media is caused by respiratory infections. The fluid behind the eardrum caused by these infections may contain bacteria. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, sometimes caused by viral or bacterial infections of the respiratory tract.
Other Common Causes of Ear Pain
Uncommon Causes of Ear Pain
