In some cases, there’s a condition known as otitis media with effusion, which means there is inflammation and fluid build-up without a bacterial infection or virus. This occurs when fluid remains in the middle ear after the infection subsides or if the Eustachian tubes aren’t back to normal function and remain blocked. There is also a condition known as chronic suppurative otitis media, which is a stubborn ear infection that can perforate or tear the eardrum.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection

Acute pain is the primary feature of ear infections, and relief can’t be found sitting or standing. Children will have difficulty sleeping, and the pain will cause them to cry or be cranky. They may have difficulty hearing or walking, have a high fever, headache and loss of appetite. They also may experience ear canal drainage. Adults have many of the same symptoms.

Ear infections are more common in the fall and winter months, i.e., cold and flu season. Those with seasonal allergies may also see a spike when pollen counts rise or other conditions occur, like Santa Ana winds carrying dust and debris from the desert. Air pollution can be a significant factor in aggravating the risk of ear infections, particularly if the child is persistently around smokers.

Complications of Ear Infections

Beyond the pain experienced by the child and the helplessness of the parent, most ear infections don’t result in any lasting issues. But if the ear infections are frequent, it can impair the hearing by maintaining fluids in the ear, causing some permanent pressure damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures.