Ear infections are conditions that affect the outer, middle or inner ear. They most often result from viral, fungal or bacterial infection. While most ear infections clear on their own, some require antibiotics. If left untreated, bacterial ear infections can cause serious complications, especially for young children.

There are several different types of ear infections. These include:

• Otitis media. Results from inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. If enough bacteria grow in the area, the fluid may become infected. Otitis media is the most common type of ear infection in young children and often occurs after a cold or a bout of the flu.
  
  
• Otitis externa. Also called swimmer’s ear or external otitis, it involves inflammation, irritation or infection of the ear canal (passageway that carries sound from outside the body to the eardrum) and/or outer ear (the visible part of the ear, including the earlobe). Despite its nickname, it can occur without swimming. Microorganisms typically enter a cut in the skin inside the ear canal or anywhere on the outer ear.
  
  
• Labyrinthitis. Infection of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. It is rare and may occur in two different forms:
  
  
• Viral labyrinthitis. Inner ear infection caused by viruses (e.g., viruses that cause the measles, mumps or flu). Viral labyrinthitis usually resolves on its own, without treatment, and leaves no long-term complications.
  
  
• Bacterial labyrinthitis. Inner ear infection caused by bacteria, such as when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the inner ear, or as the result of the spread of meningitis (inflammation of the protective cover of the brain and spinal cord).

Most cases of ear infections occur among children and occur after a bout with a cold, the flu or flare-up of allergies. Other factors that may increase the risk of ear infections include ear piercings, having foreign objects stuck in the ear canal, physical injuries to the outer ear and use of irritating chemicals (e.g., hair spray, hair dye) near the ear.

Signs and symptoms of ear infections may differ, depending on the location and cause of the problem. Ear infections may include an earache or other ear discomfort, hearing loss (usually temporary), drainage from the ear, nausea and vomiting.

In diagnosing an ear infection, a physician will pay special attention to the throat, sinuses, head, neck and lungs. A physician will likely ask about any recent history of colds or allergies. A visual examination of the outer ear and ear canal often reveals enough information to make a diagnosis, although other tests may be performed to confirm an ear infection.

In many cases, ear infections clear on their own over a period of time without the need for prescription medications. These cases often resolve in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Less often, antibiotics are required to treat a bacterial infection. When infections continue to recur, ear tubes may be surgically placed inside the ears. This involves creating a tiny opening in the eardrum and inserting tubes that allow air to get into the middle ear and let fluids drain out.