What causes chronic ear infections

A chronic ear infection is one that either does not resolve on its own or which keeps returning. This can be debilitating for the sufferer because ear infections are painful and often come with symptoms that disrupt daily life, from temporary deafness to feeling generally unwell. Chronic ear infections can also lead to more serious problems, such as a ruptured eardrum or nerve paralysis. So, what can you do about chronic ear infections if you’re a sufferer?

Identifying the cause of ear infections

This tends to be a problem that many children suffer with simply because they have smaller Eustachian tubes, which are horizontal and easily blocked. These tubes are responsible for draining fluid out of the middle ear and when they are not functioning properly can cause frequent ear infections in children. For adults suffering from ear infections there could be many different causes. Two of the most common are a swimming-related injury and an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Allergies, sinus problems and bacterial infections can also be behind ear infections in adults.

The symptoms of chronic ear infections

While a regular ear infection can be powerfully uncomfortable but relatively short lived, the symptoms of a chronic ear infection may not be so obvious but can continue for far longer. Some symptoms may also come and go. These are just a few of the symptoms to look out for if you feel like you have a problem with chronic ear infections:

• A fever
• A feeling of pressure in the ear and/or pus leaking from the ear
• Problems hearing
• Dizziness and pain in the ear
• Issues sleeping
• Tinnitus (a ringing in the ears)

You may experience these symptoms constantly or you may find that some of them come and go - that’s one of the reasons why it can be more difficult to diagnose chronic ear infections.

Dealing with chronic ear infections

There are two ways to take back control where chronic ear infections are concerned: treating the problem and preventing it from happening in the first place.

• Treatment. The range of treatment options is broad and includes many home treatments, such as simply taking painkillers or applying a warm compress to the ear. Tests can be carried out to help ensure a correct diagnosis, including a CT scan to make sure the infection has not spread, and blood tests and ear swabs to look for bacteria. If the ear infection has spread then there are surgical options available but where it has not, antibiotics are the most likely option.
• Prevention. Ear infections can often be prevented by taking simple steps, such as frequent handwashing to help avoid the spread of bacteria and making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking. To avoid a chronic ear infection it’s important to make sure you finish any course of treatment you’ve been given for an ear infection so that you know it is completely cleared up. You’ll also need to ensure you keep your ear completely dry while waiting for an infection to clear up.

Chronic ear infections are very uncomfortable but can be easily prevented and treated.