Ear pain is a common and often distressing symptom, particularly in children. More often than not, this pain is caused by Otitis Media—the medical term for a middle ear infection. While highly common, especially in the paediatric population, timely and expert intervention is crucial to prevent complications.
At Vivekananda ENT Clinic, under the guidance of renowned ENT specialist in Kolkata, Dr. Pinaki Mazumder, we provide comprehensive care for all ear-related conditions, including accurate diagnosis and treatment for Otitis Media.
What is Otitis Media?
Otitis Media refers to inflammation and infection of the middle ear—the air-filled space located behind the eardrum. This space normally drains into the back of the throat through a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube. When this tube becomes blocked or swollen, fluid builds up, leading to pressure, pain, and sometimes bacterial or viral infection.
Types of Otitis Media
Understanding the type of infection helps in determining the correct treatment:
- Acute Otitis Media (AOM): This is the most common form, where the ear infection comes on rapidly and is accompanied by pain, redness of the eardrum, and fluid buildup.
- Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Fluid and mucus remain trapped in the middle ear after an infection has cleared, or due to a blocked Eustachian tube. It may cause a ‘plugged’ feeling or muffled hearing without the severe pain of AOM.
- Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM): This is a long-standing infection, often associated with a hole (perforation) in the eardrum and persistent, sometimes foul-smelling, ear discharge.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms can vary between adults and children:
In Children (Infants and Toddlers):
- Tugging or pulling at the ear.
- Increased fussiness or crying.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Fever (especially with AOM).
- Fluid or pus draining from the ear (Ear Discharge).
- Difficulty hearing or responding to quiet sounds.
In Adults and Older Children:
- Ear Ache (Otalgia): A sharp, dull, or throbbing pain inside the ear.
- Muffled or Diminished Hearing (Deafness): A temporary inability to hear clearly.
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
- Ear Discharge: Drainage of fluid from the ear canal.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause of Otitis Media is a malfunctioning Eustachian tube, often triggered by:
- Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections
- Allergies
- Tobacco smoke exposure
- Changes in air pressure (e.g., during flight)
Children are more susceptible because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal, making them easier to block.
Expert Diagnosis and Treatment at our Audiology Clinic Kolkata
If you suspect you or your child has an ear infection, timely assessment by a specialist is crucial. At Vivekananda ENT Clinic, we utilize advanced diagnostic methods to ensure accurate care:
- Otoscopy: Examination of the ear canal and eardrum to check for redness, bulging, or perforation.
- Tympanometry: Used to measure how the eardrum and middle ear function.
- Pure Tone Audiometry: A hearing test often performed if hearing loss (Deafness) is suspected.
Treatment depends on the severity and type of infection. Options range from observation and pain management to antibiotics or, in persistent cases, surgical procedures like myringotomy (where a small tube is inserted to drain fluid).
Don’t ignore persistent ear pain or discharge. Get expert diagnosis and treatment to protect your hearing health.
Schedule an Appointment with our Kolkata Ear Doctor.
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