Long-term tubes are often larger and have rims, feet, or flanges to hold them in place. Short-term ear tubes last 6 months to 2 years before falling out on their own. This stops fluid from building up in the middle ear, leading to an infection. The tube allows air to flow in and out of the middle ear if mucus or inflammation prevents ventilation. This tube connects the middle ear to the outer ear. To treat chronic ear infections, a doctor may surgically insert a tiny tube made of plastic or metal into the ear drum. Older adults who have ear infections may experience symptoms such as the following: The aging process may affect the structure of the ears, making older adults more susceptible to ear diseases.Ī 2017 Northern Saudi Arabia study of 138 people ages 60 and over found that 9.4% had a middle ear infection. A potentially life threatening ear infection, malignant otitis externa, mostly occurs in older people with diabetes or weakened immune systems. Swimmer’s ear is most common in people ages 45 to 75. While ear infections are more common in children, older adults can also get them. For this reason, untreated water may be more likely to cause an outer ear infection. Water that sits in the ear canal after swimming or bathing creates a perfect place for bacteria or fungus to multiply. People who spend a lot of time in water may be more at risk of developing this infection. One common outer ear infection is known as swimmer’s ear. Chronic suppurative otitis media: These are repeat infections often from a ruptured or perforated eardrum, which can result in discharge and hearing impairment.It is more common in children but can also occur in adults. Otitis media with effusion: Fluid stays in the middle ear after the infection clears up, affecting the hearing and causing a feeling of fullness in the ear.It primarily affects children ages 6 to 24 months but can also occur in adults. Acute otitis media: This type usually occurs suddenly after a cold or infection.People who smoke or are around smoke may also be more likely to get middle ear infections. Infected eustachian tubes can swell and prevent proper drainage, which works toward the symptoms of middle ear infections. Their position makes them easy targets for germs. The eustachian tubes connect from the ear to the nose and throat and are responsible for controlling the pressure in the ear. Other upper respiratory problems, such as sinus or throat infections, can lead to middle ear infections as the bacteria make their way into the eustachian tubes. The common cold, flu, and allergies can lead to middle ear infections.
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People with chronic skin conditions, including eczema or psoriasis, may also be prone to outer ear infections. For example, diabetes is a risk factor for malignant otitis externa, a rare condition involving infection of the bones in the ear canal. In rare cases, people with weakened immune systems or inflammation in the structures of the ear may be more prone to ear infections than others. The skin may become red and warm until the infection goes away.Įar infections in adults are typically due to germs, such as viruses, fungus, or bacteria. People may refer to outer ear infections as otitis externa.Ĭommon symptoms include an ear or ear canal that is painful, swollen, and tender to the touch. Outer ear infections can also result from irritation or injury to the ear canal from foreign objects, such as cotton swabs or fingernails and water exposure. The outer ear extends from the ear canal on the outside of the eardrum to the outer opening of the ear itself.
Symptoms of ear infections in adults vary depending on location and can include:ĭischarge from the ear can signify a more serious issue, such as an eardrum rupture, and requires medical attention. The three main parts of the ear are the inner, middle, and outer ear. Ear infections can strike in any of these parts and cause various symptoms. The ear is a complicated part of the body, consisting of several different parts. Share on Pinterest Chalabala/Getty Images
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