Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) in Adults: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

An infection that occurs behind the eardrum, in the middle part of the ear, is a middle ear infection or otitis media. Children are the most frequent victim of middle ear infections, but adults can develop middle ear infections as well.

Causes

• Middle ear infections in adults are most often caused by a bacterial infection or virus. These viruses or bacteria can first cause colds, sore throats or other respiratory symptoms, but then spread to the middle ear.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an adult middle ear infection include fever, earache, ear pain, drainage from the ear, feeling of a blockage in the ear, dizziness and hearing difficulty.

Risk Factors

• Adults who suffer allergies or have a cleft palate, Down syndrome or nervous system abnormalities are more prone to developing a middle ear infection.

Diagnosis

• The doctor will conduct a physical exam of the ear to look for inflammation or fluid in the ear. The physician might recommend further tests that include a hearing evaluation.

Treatment

• At times, a middle ear infection is treated by the watch-and-wait approach. If after a few days the symptoms do not go away, antibiotics, orally or ear drops, are usually prescribed.