middle ear disease

Middle Ear Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Types

The middle ear is a small cavity located behind the eardrum that contains three tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. Middle ear disease, also known as otitis media, occurs when there is an infection or inflammation in this area.

Common Symptoms of Middle Ear Disease:

• Hearing loss
• Ear pain (otalgia)
• Fluid or discharge from the ear
• Feeling of fullness in the ear

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections
• Allergies
• Cold or flu
• Chronic illnesses, such as immune deficiency or respiratory diseases
• Ethnicity may also play a role in increasing the risk of middle ear disease.

Types of Middle Ear Disease:

• Acute Otitis Media (AOM): A sudden onset infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum.
• Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A long-term infection that can cause persistent discharge from the ear.
• Otitis Media with Effusion: A condition where fluid builds up in the middle ear without causing an infection.

Complications:

• Conductive hearing loss
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Blockage of the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper part of the throat.

References:

• [1] The middle ear has three small bones — the hammer, or malleus; the anvil, or incus; and the stirrup, or stapes. (Source: Search Result 1)
• [2-3] The eustachian tube helps even out the pressure between the outer ear and the inner ear. A cold or allergy can irritate the tube or cause the area around it to swell. (Source: Search Results 2-3)
• [4-5] Middle ear infections are the most common childhood illness other than colds. Inflammatory diseases of the middle ear include a broad range of pathologic conditions, including acute otitis media (AOM; suppurative or nonsuppurative), ... (Source: Search Results 4-5)
• [6-7] Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. It causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. (Source: Search Results 6-7)
• [8-9] Issues that affect the fluid, which might lead to Meniere's disease, include: Poor fluid drainage. This may be due to a blockage or irregular ear shape. Autoimmune disorders. Viral ... (Source: Search Results 8-9)
• [10-11] Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is an infection in the middle ear.; Otitis media with effusion is another condition that affects the middle ear.. Occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear without causing an infection. (Source: Search Results 10-11)
• [12-13] Any bacteria present in the middle ear then become trapped in the fluid, leading to infection. The pressure of fluid caught in the middle ear may cause the eardrum to swell or rupture. When the eardrum ruptures, fluid from the middle ear leaks out through the hole created in the eardrum. (Source: Search Results 12-13)
• [14] Fluid and mucus become trapped inside the ear, causing the child to have a fever and ear pain. Otitis media with effusion. Fluid (effusion) and mucus continue to accumulate in the middle ear after an initial infection subsides. (Source: Search Result 14)

Common symptoms of middle ear disease in adults include:

• Earache or ear pain
• High fever (usually above 102°F)
• Being sick or experiencing nausea
• Slight hearing loss, especially if the middle ear infection is severe
• Balance problems (although this is rare)

According to [3], an ear infection, also called acute otitis media, is a sudden infection in your middle ear. The middle ear is the air-filled space between your eardrum and inner ear.

In addition to these symptoms, it's essential to contact a medical professional if you experience:

• Swelling behind the ear
• Worsening symptoms despite treatment
• High fever or severe pain

These signs may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt attention from a healthcare provider. [2]

Middle ear disease can also cause fluid to build up in the middle ear, leading to conditions like otitis media with effusion. This occurs when fluid accumulates without causing an infection, and it does not typically result in fever, ear pain, or pus buildup. [4]

It's worth noting that symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. If you suspect you have a middle ear disease, consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Symptoms of a middle-ear infection in adults are: You may also have a fever. Rarely, your balance can be affected. [2] - When to Contact a Medical Professional · You have swelling behind the ear. · Your symptoms get worse, even with treatment. · You have high fever or severe pain. [3] - An ear infection, also called acute otitis media, is a sudden infection in your middle ear. [4] - Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is an infection in the middle ear.

Middle ear diseases can be diagnosed through various tests, which help identify the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some diagnostic tests used to diagnose middle ear diseases:

• Tympanometry: This test measures the movement of the eardrum and the conduction bones in the middle ear. It's a quick and easy test that doesn't require any special preparation [1].
• Audiometry: This test measures hearing acuity and accurately quantifies the hearing loss. An ENT specialist or an audiologist performs this test to assess the extent of hearing impairment [6].
• Pneumatic otoscopy: This test uses a pneumatic device to examine the mobility in the tympanic membrane with diagnostic accuracy of about 76% [7].
• Tympanograms: These are graphical representations used to diagnose and manage middle ear disorders such as otitis media and otosclerosis. They help identify the type and severity of the condition [8].
• Complete blood count (CBC): This test may be useful in patients who appear toxic, and a lumbar puncture is useful if concerns of meningitis secondary to otitis media exist [9].

These diagnostic tests can help healthcare providers diagnose middle ear diseases such as acute otitis media, otosclerosis, and Meniere's disease. A complete medical history and physical examination are also essential in making an accurate diagnosis [4][5].

Middle Ear Disease Differential Diagnoses

The differential diagnosis for middle ear diseases includes several conditions that can present with similar symptoms, making it essential to consider a range of possibilities when evaluating patients.

• Acute Otitis Media (AOM): A bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, characterized by acute onset, fever, and ear pain. [6]
• Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): A build-up of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute infection. Also known as serous otitis media or secretory otitis media. [7]
• Middle Ear Cholesteatoma: A type of skin cyst that can develop in the middle ear, often associated with chronic otitis media and eustachian tube dysfunction. [3][5]
• Bullous Myringitis: An inflammation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) characterized by bullae (blisters) on its surface. [4]
• Barotrauma: A condition caused by changes in air pressure, which can lead to middle ear pain and discomfort.
• Medial Canal Fibrosis: A condition where the Eustachian tube becomes scarred or narrowed, leading to eustachian tube dysfunction and potential middle ear problems. [8]

These conditions often present with similar symptoms, such as ear pain, fever, and hearing loss, making differential diagnosis crucial for proper treatment.

References: [3] Danishyar A (2023) - Cited by 102 [4] Earwood JS (2018) - Cited by 46 [5] Kennedy KL (2023) - Cited by 31 [6] HARMES KM (2013) - Cited by 235 [7] OME can also be referred to as serous otitis media or secretory otitis media. [8] Trojanowska A (2012) - Cited by 81