Ear Infections
The canal leading from the eardrum to the outside of the ear is called the outer ear. Immediately behind the eardrum is the middle ear. Either area can become infected. The cause as well as the treatment is different depending on which part of the ear is infected. Usually middle ear infections occur in the winter while outer ear infections are more common in the summer.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)
Otitis externa is infection of the outer canal of the ear. The most common cause of this is irritation due to constant moisture from swimming, thus the term "Swimmer's Ear" is often used to describe this condition. The continued moisture washes away the protective coating of ear wax and the ear becomes irritated. The moisture combined with irritated skin and the warm dark environment of the ear canal provide a good place for germs to grow.

Otitis Externa can also be caused by putting cotton swabs or other items into the ear. This removes the protective ear wax coating and may cause injury to the delicate skin in the ear as well. Itching is usually the first symptom. Later, pain develops and the ear is very sore to touch. Swelling in the ear canal may cause hearing loss and pus may drain from the ear.

Usually Otitis Externa can be treated easily with antibiotic eardrops. However if it is not treated, it can develop into a life-threatening infection involving the bones of the head, nerves, and brain. This usually develops only when the painful, draining infection of the ear canal is left untreated for several months. Diabetics, elderly patients, and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to this serious, life-threatening complication.

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)
Middle ear infections are usually caused by bacteria resulting from a cold, virus, or allergies. They can also be caused by chronic tonsillitis and infected adenoids.

Otitis Media can occur in anyone but is most common in children under five years old. Sometimes the ear anatomy of young children is not fully developed, and they often "grow out of" these recurrent infections as they get older. These infections occur because bacteria travels from the nose and throat, up the eustachian tube, to the area just behind the eardrum. Bottle-fed infants are more prone to develop ear infections when left lying flat during feeding. Not only are these infections very painful, but they can interfere with the child's hearing by causing fluid pressure that keeps the ear drum from being able to vibrate properly.

Middle ear infections are usually treated with antibiotics. It is sometimes necessary to make a tiny incision in the eardrum to allow the fluid to drain. With recurrent ear infections, a tiny rubber tube can be inserted into the incision, making a way for fluid to continue to drain from the inner ear. This is sometimes done in the physician's office for adults, but is usually done under general anesthesia for children. The tubes usually fall out by themselves after six months to a year.