Ear infection (otitis) is one of the most common causes of ear discomfort. It affects people of all ages, though it’s especially common in children. As a hearing care specialist, patients often come to our hearing centre worried about pain, pressure or a blocked-ear feeling. In many cases, the cause is precisely an ear infection, and it’s essential to know how to spot it, treat it properly and, above all, avoid complications.
In this article I’ll explain, clearly and without jargon, what it is, its most common types, how you can relieve the symptoms, and when it’s important to see a professional.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection is, essentially, an inflammation of the ear. It can be caused by different factors: infections, fluid build-up, allergies, or even injury. Depending on the part of the ear affected, it’s classified into different types.
Types of ear infection
It’s important to know the differences between types of ear infection, as they’re not all treated the same way. These are the most common:
1. Outer ear infection
This affects the outer ear canal, the most superficial part of the ear. It’s often caused by water getting in (for example, while swimming), which gives it its more common name: “swimmer’s ear”.
Common symptoms:
- Itching and redness of the ear.
- Pain when touching the outer area.
- Mild discharge.
- A blocked-ear feeling.
2. Middle ear infection
This is inflammation or infection in the middle ear, the part just behind the eardrum. It’s very common in children, especially after colds or respiratory infections.
Common symptoms:
- Intense pain.
- Fever in some cases.
- Temporary hearing loss.
- A feeling of pressure.
- Sometimes fluid discharge if the eardrum ruptures.
3. Otitis with effusion (fluid in the middle ear)
In this case there’s no infection as such, but a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. It can happen after a poorly resolved acute middle ear infection, or due to the Eustachian tube not working properly.
Common symptoms:
- A blocked-ear feeling.
- Reduced hearing.
- A bubbling sensation or feeling of fluid moving.
What causes an ear infection?
Causes can vary, but these are the most common:
- Respiratory infections, especially in winter.
- Wax build-up that traps moisture.
- Long periods swimming in pools or at the beach.
- Allergies that inflame the airways.
- Injuries from improper use of cotton buds.
- Sudden pressure changes, such as when flying.
How to know if you have an ear infection
It’s easy to confuse an ear infection with other ear discomfort. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Pain that increases when touching or moving the ear.
- A blocked-ear feeling or internal pressure.
- Temporary reduction in hearing.
- Discharge or fluid coming from the ear.
- Fever (especially in children).
- General discomfort or irritability (more obvious in babies).
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a professional to prevent the infection from becoming more serious or turning chronic.
Treating an ear infection
As hearing care specialists, we don’t prescribe medication, but we do guide our patients towards the right specialist and look after their hearing health throughout the recovery process.
Depending on the type of ear infection, treatment can vary:
For outer ear infections:
- Keep the ear dry.
- Clean carefully if there’s discharge.
- Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops (prescribed by a doctor).
For middle ear infections:
- In some cases it resolves on its own within a few days.
- The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there’s a bacterial infection.
- Painkillers for pain and fever.
- In children, close follow-up if infections are recurrent.
And for otitis with effusion:
- Usually doesn’t require antibiotics.
- Can be treated with decongestants or anti-inflammatories.
- In persistent cases, surgery (grommet insertion) may be considered.
What can you do at home to relieve symptoms?
Some general recommendations I usually give in clinic:
- Avoid getting the ear wet. Use earplugs when showering.
- Apply warm compresses (never too hot) to the outer area to relieve discomfort.
- Don’t put anything inside the ear.
- Stay hydrated and rest.
- Don’t self-medicate.
What are the risks of leaving it untreated?
A poorly treated ear infection can lead to:
- Damage to the eardrum.
- Prolonged hearing loss.
- Chronic ear infections.
- The infection spreading to other parts of the ear or head (in severe cases).
Prevention: how to avoid ear infections
The best way to avoid ear infections is to look after your ears day to day. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Don’t use cotton buds to clean your ears.
- Avoid long periods in water without protection.
- Dry your ears well after showering or swimming.
- Treat colds and allergies properly.
- Avoid tobacco smoke, especially around children.
- Get an annual hearing check-up, especially if you’ve had previous ear infections or frequent discomfort.
If you’re already prone to this kind of problem, the best prevention besides everything mentioned above is custom-made swimming moulds, which seal the ear canal completely so water can’t get in. At our hearing centre we make these both as a preventive measure and for people who already suffer from recurrent ear infections and, without moulds, can’t get their head wet in case water gets in.
How do we help at our hearing centre in Valencia?
At BienestarAudio we see many people who come to us worried about discomfort related to ear infections, especially after having had several in a short space of time, or because of after-effects like a blocked-ear feeling or hearing loss.
What do we do?
- We assess the general condition of the ear.
- We carry out hearing tests tailored to each case.
- We refer to a specialist if we detect signs of an active infection.
- We follow up on hearing after an ear infection.
- We provide guidance on hygiene and prevention.
The goal is clear: to protect your hearing and prevent a simple inflammation from turning into a bigger problem.
Ear infections are a common condition, but that doesn’t mean we should take them lightly. With the right diagnosis and some simple guidelines, they can be treated successfully and future flare-ups prevented.
If you notice any discomfort, don’t let it go. Listen to your body. And if you live in Valencia or the surrounding area, we’d be delighted to help you at BienestarAudio… book your appointment.
You can call us on 960 659 592 or message us on WhatsApp at 621 00 16 93
Your hearing health matters, and there’s still time to prevent complications.
