Otitis Media in Adults

There are many illnesses which are thought to be usually related to childhood, but they also affect adults. One such disorder which also takes a toll on adults is otitis media. This normally affects the middle ear, which is an important part of the auditory system and facilitates hearing.

The middle ear, which is a hollow chamber, is located behind the eardrum. It has a lining of mucous membrane which keeps it lubricated and also acts as a protective shield. This structure is also connected to the nose and throat through the eustachian tube.

At times this sensitive structure may get affected due to a number of reasons, both due to external as well as internal factors. There are two kinds of otitis media - acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). The number of people suffering from otitis media with effusion is higher than those having acute otitis media.

The high incidence of OME can be normally seen during late winter or early spring, even though it can affect the individual any time of the year. Normally the source of otitis media is a bacterial infection which has been left untreated.

This middle ear infection may occur when bacteria, allergens, dust and other foreign objects, etc., get lodged in the ear without any outlet. This can cause the mucous membrane to become inflamed and also cause a degree of pain.

Respiratory infections are also responsible for causing middle ear infections in adults. When the fluid in the ear gets trapped, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens and lead to ear infection.

Nutritional deficiency, passive smoking, exposure to harmful pollutants can increase the risk of suffering from otitis media. This ear infection can become chronic if it recurs and the person may experience more than 4 episodes in a year.

It is essential to recognize the initial signs of middle ear infection or otitis media, lest it results in disability or deafness. Based on the signs and symptoms exhibited by this ear problem, otitis media may be categorized as acute or chronic. Here are some of the common symptoms of both types of otitis media:

• Pain in the ear
• Ringing sensation or tinnitus
• Muffled hearing due to accumulation of fluid and pus in the middle ear
• A feeling of fullness in the affected ear
• Effusion or draining of fluid from the ear
• Popping (ear pressure)
• Formation of pus
• Bulging or perforated eardrum

A lapse in treating this ear infection can lead to further unwanted complications like persistent ear infection, permanent damage of the ear, which may result in partial or total loss of hearing and tympanosclerosis, which is the scarring of the eardrum. To avoid these problems, it is necessary to consult a health care provider at the earliest.

The physician may conduct a series of diagnostic tests like physical exam of the ear with the help of an otoscope, formal hearing test using an audiometer and tympanometry, which is a tool used for diagnosing otitis media with effusion. The doctor may also check for physical signs like air bubbles or fluid on the eardrum, dullness in the eardrum, etc.

Once the tests are over, the doctor may proceed towards treatment, which includes antibiotics to cure the infection, antihistamines to reduce the inflammation, etc. The fluid may also be drained from the ear with the help of mucolytics and oral corticosteroids. In some cases, the individual is also referred for surgery if the ear disorder remains unresolved even with regular medication.

Otitis media in adults can be quite a harrowing experience, with the pain and discomfort it causes. To treat and avoid this infection from getting intense, consult an audiologist, who may diagnose the exact condition and administer appropriate treatment. Take care!