{"id":1674,"date":"2022-12-12T18:48:04","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T00:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pediatricentillinois.fm1.dev\/?page_id=1674"},"modified":"2023-01-19T13:14:13","modified_gmt":"2023-01-19T19:14:13","slug":"earaches","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pediatricentillinois.com\/ent\/earaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Earaches"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Otitis media means \u201cinflammation of the middle ear,\u201d as a result of a middle ear infection. It can occur in one or both ears. Otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis for children who visit physicians for illness. It is also the most common cause of hearing loss in children. Although otitis media is most common in young children, it occasionally affects adults<\/p>\n\n\n

Is it serious?<\/h3>\n\n\n

Yes, because of the severe earache and hearing loss it can cause. Hearing loss, especially in children, may impair learning capacity and even delay speech development. However, if it is treated promptly and effectively, hearing can almost always be restored to normal. Otitis media is also serious because the infection can spread to nearby structures in the head, especially the mastoid. (see the symptoms list) Immediate attention from your doctor is the best action.<\/p>\n\n\n

How does the ear work?<\/h3>\n\n\n

The outer ear collects sounds. The middle ear is a pea-sized, air-filled cavity separated from the outer ear by the paper-thin eardrum. Inside the middle ear are three tiny ear bones. When sound waves strike the eardrum, it vibrates and sets the bones in motion that transmit to the inner ear. The inner ear converts vibrations to electrical signals and sends these signals to the brain. A healthy middle ear has the same atmospheric pressure as air outside of the ear, allowing free vibration. Air enters the middle ear through the narrow eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose to the ear<\/p>\n\n\n

What causes otitis media?<\/h3>\n\n\n

Blockage of the eustachian tube during a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory infection, and the presence of bacteria or viruses lead to a build-up of pus and mucusbehind the eardrum. This infection is called acute otitis media. The build-up of pressurized pus in the middle ear causes pain, swelling, and redness. Since the eardrum cannot vibrate properly, hearing problems may occur. Sometimes the eardrum ruptures, and pus drains out of the ear. More commonly, however, the pus and mucus remain in the middle ear due to the swollen and inflamed eustachian tube. This is called middle ear effusion or serous otitis media. Often after the acute infection has passed, the effusion remains lasting for weeks, months, or even years. This condition allows frequent recurrences of the acute infection and may cause difficulty in hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n

What will happen at the doctor\u2019s office?<\/h3>\n\n\n

During an examination, the doctor will use an otoscope to look at and assess the ear. The doctor checks for redness in the ear, and\/or fluid behind the eardrum,, and to see if the eardrum moves. These are the signs of an ear infection. Two other tests may also be performed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n