Otitis Media
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common health problem. It may cause short-term hearing loss. In children, it may cause speech and learning delays. Antibiotics usually cure an otitis media infection. But if they do not, surgery may be needed. The purpose of surgery is to correct any hearing loss and help prevent future ear infections.
The ear has 3 parts:
• The outer ear, which collects sound waves
• The middle ear, which increases the sound energy and transmits the sound vibrations to the inner ear • The inner ear, which transforms the sound waves into nerve impulses and sends them to the brain
Middle Ear Infections
The middle ear contains air. This gives the eardrum and 3 tiny bones (ossicles) room to vibrate when there are sounds around us. Infection can cause the middle ear to become swollen or fill with fluid. This reduces how much the eardrum and the ossicles can vibrate and causes hearing loss. When the swelling and fluid are gone, hearing often returns to normal. The Eustachian Tube The eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube usually drains fluid that is made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up and cause infection.
Ear infections are common in infants and children because their eustachian tubes become clogged easily. Ear infections may also occur in adults, but not as often as they do in children. Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked causes more fluid to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum.
Ear infections should be treated due to risk of ear perforation. A tear or hole in the membrane of the middle ear is called a perforated or ruptured eardrum. This can happen if an infection builds up inside the ear or if the eardrum gets injured. You may find it hard to hear out of that ear or may hear a buzzing sound. You may have an earache or have fluids that drain from the ear.
Your eardrum should heal on its own in a few weeks, and you should hear normally then. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Over-the-counter pain reliever may help your earache.
Your doctor will check to see if your eardrum has healed. If not, you may need surgery to repair the eardrum.
Some things that cause this are:
• Allergies
• Colds and sinus infections
• Excess mucus and saliva that is produced during teething
• Infected or overgrown adenoids (tissue above the roof of the mouth that helps infants and young children fight infections)
• Tobacco smoke or other irritants Symptoms and Treatment Symptoms of otitis media include drainage from the ear, ear pain, and fever. These symptoms are usually treated with antibiotics.
Surgery
Surgery for otitis media is called a myringotomy. It is done in the doctor’s office or clinic using local anesthetic. Your doctor will make a small incision in your eardrum and insert a tiny tube called a tympanostomy tube. This takes only a short time. You will stay in the office for about 15 minutes after the tube is placed to make sure that there are no problems. Ear drainage may occur right after surgery or any time the tubes are in place. When drainage occurs, clean the outside of your ear with a soft, damp washcloth.
Tympanostomy Tubes
Tympanostomy tubes allow fluid to drain from your middle ear. This should improve your hearing and will also help the antibiotics fight the infection. Your doctor will need to check the tubes 2 to 3 weeks after they are placed, and then every 6 months while they are in place. Your hearing will also be checked at these visits. You will not be able to feel the tubes, and people will not be able to see them. Your ears may pop when you chew after the tubes are inserted. Sometimes the tubes cause mild discomfort. If this happens, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will relieve the discomfort.
Using Oral Antibiotics
You have been prescribed oral antibiotics. Take them as directed after food. Complete the antibiotic fully. Call the office should you get any side effects: nausea, vomiting, rash.
Follow-up as directed.
Using Antibiotic Eardrops
After surgery, use antibiotic eardrops: 3 drops in each ear, 3 times a day, for 3 to 5 days. After that, any time there is drainage from the ear, start using the drops again.
Call your doctor if the drainage does not stop after you have used the eardrops for 3 to 4 days.
1. Warm the bottle by holding it in your hand for 5 minutes.
2. Gently pull your ear up and back and insert the drops into the ear canal.
3. Press on the front of your ear several times to push the drops down into the ear canal.
4. You may insert cotton into your ear after using the drops to absorb any drainage.
The drops are usually good for at least 1 year if they are stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle label. Do not use the drops if they are expired.
Protect Your Ears from Water
• Use silicone or wax earplugs to protect your ears while you are bathing and washing your hair. You can buy these earplugs at most drugstores at a low cost.
• Avoid swimming or diving underwater while you have the tympanostomy tubes in your ears.
• Ask your doctor if custom-made ear molds would be helpful for you.
• If water gets into your ears:
– Place 3 to 4 antibiotic drops in your ears to decrease the chance of infection.
– Use a hair dryer on low setting to evaporate the water.
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