A healthy ear and an infected ear, including outer, middle, and inner ear, showing inflammation and fluid in the ear. It could be an ear infection. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Some ear infections, such as middle ear infections, need antibiotic treatment, but many can get better without antibiotics.
Ear infections in adults (middle ear): Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Ear infections are not as common in adults as they are in children, although they can be more serious. The symptoms of ear infections in adults should be closely monitored and diagnosed by a doctor to avoid any complications. Certain situations and actions put some people more at risk for ear infections than others. However, there are several useful steps that can be taken towards prevention and treatment. Learn more about them in this article. The ear is a complicated part of the body, made up of several different chambers.
Skip to content. Otitis media is another name for a middle ear infection. It means an infection behind your eardrum. This kind of ear infection can happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear.
Prescribing guidelines for ear infections have changed in the last five years. Your child might not even be prescribed antibiotics. Not all ear infections are bacterial or need prescription medication.