Ear infections can affect people of all ages, but they are often associated with young children. However, adults can also suffer from this type of infection, so it is important to know the causes, symptoms, and treatments that can be used to achieve prompt improvement.

An ear infection in adults can occur at any time, especially when there are external causes that promote the appearance of these problems, such as constant use of swimming pools, exposure to loud noises, among others. Here we tell you everything you need to know to avoid the pain and discomfort that this type of infection can cause.

If you are suffering from an ear infection, do not wait for these discomforts to worsen and limit your daily activities. At Formé Medical Center, we have specialized medical personnel to provide you with the quality care you need.

Call us now at 914-723-4900, or schedule an appointment so that we can attend to your discomforts, giving you an accurate diagnosis and the treatment you need to recover as soon as possible.

When can it be an ear infection?

An ear infection occurs when there is an accumulation of bacteria, viruses, or fungi within the auditory cavity, which usually causes inflammation and irritation in the ear canal or inner ear.

If you feel intense pain in the ear, which also limits your ability to hear normally, you may be experiencing an ear infection.

In these cases, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment, especially if you experience high fever or pain. A specialist can help confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

What are the symptoms of ear infections?

Something to keep in mind is that the symptoms of an ear infection are not always the same for all cases, and the appearance of these may vary depending on the type of infection suffered, the severity of it, and whether it is a child or an adult.

Some of the most common symptoms of an ear infection in adults are:

• Constant pain: This is the most common symptom of an ear infection. It can be mild or intense and worsen when you lie down or chew.
• Hearing loss: Ear inflammation can affect hearing and cause a feeling of blocked ear.
• Fever: An ear infection can cause fever in some cases.
• Ear discharge: There may be a discharge of fluid from the affected ear, which may be yellow or green.
• Feeling of pressure in the ear: An ear infection can cause a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.
• Dizziness: In some cases, an ear infection can cause dizziness and loss of balance.
• Ringing in the ears: Also known as tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears can be a symptom of an ear infection.

If you feel any of these symptoms, you are most likely suffering from an ear infection. So, don’t wait for your health to worsen! Schedule an appointment with us at Formé and ensure quality care for yourself, where your well-being and improvement will be the main objective.

What are the causes of an ear infection in adults?

There are many causes that can lead to the development of an ear infection in adults. Some of them may include:

• Respiratory infections: A respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu, can spread to the ears and cause an infection.
• Allergies: Allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and ears, which can lead to an ear infection.
• Water in the ear: If water gets into the ear, it can create a moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria and causes an infection.
• Ear damage: Damage to the ear, such as a perforated eardrum, can increase the risk of infection.
• Changes in air pressure: Changes in air pressure during flights or in high altitudes can affect the ears and increase the risk of infection.
• Use of foreign objects: We often use foreign objects, such as cotton swabs, bobby pins, or even our fingers, to try to “clean” our ears. This type of practice is harmful, as it can push earwax into the ear canal and increase the risk of infection.

Each of these factors can cause an ear infection in adults, so it is important to take necessary measures to prevent such discomfort from occurring, especially if you consider yourself at risk of developing these types of infections in your day-to-day life.

How is an ear infection treated?

The treatment of an ear infection will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the infection. In some cases, an ear infection can go away on its own without treatment, but in other cases, it may require medical treatment to prevent the discomfort from worsening and affecting the patient’s hearing.

In any case, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis and confirm whether or not it is an ear infection, in order to proceed with the appropriate treatment according to your profile.

Do you experience discomfort that may be a sign of an ear infection in adults? Do not hesitate to seek care with our Formé team. Call us now at 914-723-4900, or schedule an appointment so that you can receive a safe diagnosis and start the treatment that will allow you to improve as soon as possible and regain your well-being.