Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
A Common type of middle ear problem Otitis Media is an inflammatory disease which generally comes under the bracket of either Acute Otitis Media (AOM) or Otitis Media with Effusion. (OME)AOM is an ear infection which is associated with pain of some sort. When the middle ear has either an infection or inflammation this can cause discomfort, and this is known as AOM.
The condition happens more so in children because their eustachian tubes are not fully formed which in turn can cause a route to infection and inflammation.
The following symptoms are common with AOM
| ✓ | Children will cry ad complain of a sore ear |
| ✓ | The ear will be irritable, and you may want to keep playing with your ear |
| ✓ | You may suffer from a lack of sleep |
| ✓ | You may begin to pull on your ears to ease the discomfort |
| ✓ | Sore ear |
| ✓ | You may experience pain in the neck, or you may develop a headache |
| ✓ | You may have fever like symptoms |
| ✓ | Sickness and diarrhoea |
| ✓ | You may notice your hearing feels dull and not clear |
| ✓ | You may feel like you have some balance issues |
Common Causes Of AOM
The problem originates in the middle ear which is a cavity that houses your middle ear bones. This cavity has a tube known as the Eustachian tube which opens and closes to equalise the pressure in the middle ear with atmospheric pressure & to drain the mucus from the middles ear cavity by connecting to the back of the throat. If for some reason the muscle at the bottom of the eustachian tube cant equalise the pressure or drain the mucus the trap fluid in the middle ear cavity can become infected.
The reason children suffer from AOM more than adults is that their eustachian tube is sorter and more horizontal therefore gravity does not aid the draining of the tube as much as it would in an adult.
The reason children suffer from AOM more than adults is that their eustachian tube is sorter and more horizontal therefore gravity does not aid the draining of the tube as much as it would in an adult.
Blockage can result for several reasons
| ✓ | You may have a heavy cold or flu |
| ✓ | You may have an infection in your sinuses |
| ✓ | Allergies can also cause irritation |
| ✓ | Your adenoids may be enlarged or infected |
| ✓ | If you are exposed to cigarette smoke |
| ✓ | If children are drinking while lying down |
How will I be diagnosed for AOM?
There are a few ways to check for OM. If you feel you may have OM you should consult your GP immediately. If @ Lanarkshire Hearing Centre we suspect you have OM will automatically write you a referral letter to see your GP. We will not diagnose you with OM but will refer to your GP to diagnose your case.
Otoscopy
Otoscopy is when we use a torch with a magnifying glass to look down your ear canal and look past your ear drum.What we will look for is:
| ✓ | Impacted ear wax. Is this the cause of the irritation – For more information on impacted ear wax see here |
| ✓ | Is there a redness or swelling in your middle ear or ear canal? |
| ✓ | Is there blood or puss present? |
| ✓ | Is there air bubbles or fluid in the middle ear |
| ✓ | Does the eardrum look normal? Is it the correct colour and shape? |
| ✓ | Does the ear drum have a perforation? |
| ✓ | Is there fluid in the ear canal which has a smell? |
Tympanometry
Also known as Tymps this test will check the function of your middle ear. Basically, it measure the efficiency of the ear drum and will be used alongside inspection of the ear to determine if the middle ear has an issue.For more information on Tymps see here
Hearing Test
A simple hearing test can tell us whether or not you are experiencing middle ear issues. If the middle ear cavity or ear drum is not performing as well as it should it will show up on a hearing test graph.
A combination of the above methods can be used to diagnose the problem.
Treatment
Your GP may provide you with some home treatments and pain killers. If this is not successful then they will provide you with a course in anti-biotics.Home Care: ( We would recommend you speak with your pharmacist)
| ✓ | Prepare a warm and moist clean cloth and apply it over the infected ear |
| ✓ | See your pharmacist explain the condition |
| ✓ | Use OTC ear drops for relieving any pain (See pharmacist) |
| ✓ | Take OTC pain relief such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen |
Medications
Your Dr will supply you with antibiotics if home treatment is not successful. More GP’s are avoiding the prescription of antibiotics to prevent overuse and risk of adverse reactions.Surgery
More so in children with chronic condition. Adenoids may be removed if enlarged or infected and condition is chronic.Ear Tubes
Most people will be familiar with grommets. Ear tubes will allow air and fluid to drain from the middle ear and relieve the pain.Prevention
You can reduce your chances or your child’s chances of AOM by carrying out the following:| ✓ | Wash your hands on a regular basis |
| ✓ | Make sure your child’s toys are cleaned regularly |
| ✓ | Avoid smoking or exposing yourself to people who smoke |
| ✓ | Ask your GP about seasonal flu jabs |
| ✓ | Avoid giving your infant a pacifier |
Healthline.com
NHSinform.scot