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Ear Infections

Ear Infections

Pain, Pressure, or Trouble Hearing? It Could Be an Ear Infection

Ear infections are common — especially in children — and can cause ear pain, fever, fluid buildup, and hearing issues. At ENT Sinus Center of Orlando, we diagnose and treat all types of ear infections with care tailored to your age, symptoms, and severity.

  • An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses cause inflammation in the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum). This condition is especially common in children but can also affect teens and adults.

    The medical term is otitis media, though outer and inner ear infections are also possible.

  • ● Acute Otitis Media: Sudden onset of infection and fluid in the middle ear, often causing pain and fever.● Otitis Media with Effusion: Fluid remains trapped behind the eardrum even after an infection clears.● Chronic Otitis Media: Long-lasting or recurrent ear infections, possibly with fluid drainage or hearing loss.● Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): Infection of the ear canal, often caused by water exposure.

  • ● Ear pain (mild to severe)● Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear● Trouble hearing or muffled hearing● Fever (more common in children)● Fluid drainage from the ear● Irritability, crying, or tugging at the ears (in children)● Balance issues or dizziness

  • ● Recent upper respiratory infections (cold or flu)● Allergies or sinus infections● Eustachian tube dysfunction (especially in children)● Exposure to secondhand smoke● Bottle-feeding while lying down (in infants)● Frequent use of daycare or group care settings

  • Our ENT team uses otoscopy (a visual exam of the ear) and may perform tympanometry to assess fluid or pressure in the ear.

    In cases of chronic infections, hearing tests or imaging may be recommended.

  • For Mild Cases:● Monitoring and supportive care● Over-the-counter pain relievers● Warm compresses
    For Bacterial Infections:● Antibiotics may be prescribed when necessary, especially in children
    For Chronic or Severe Infections:● Ear tube placement (myringotomy) to allow fluid to drain and prevent recurrence● Specialist referral for hearing or balance issues

  • See an ENT specialist if:● Symptoms last more than a few days● Infections occur frequently● Hearing is affected● There is fluid drainage from the ear● A child has recurrent ear infections or delayed speech

Next Steps

If you or your child is dealing with ear pain or infections, schedule an appointment with ENT Sinus Center of Orlando for expert diagnosis and relief.

(407) 937-1031Request an Appointment

Created by DearDoc

Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Center of Orlando, P.a. All Rights Reserved

Created by DearDoc

Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus Center of Orlando, P.a. All Rights Reserved