Ear infections

The most common types of ear infections are:

1. Middle ear infection - A middle ear infection, sometimes called otitis media, happens when a virus or bacteria cause the area behind the eardrum to become inflamed and causes a build up of fluid. This type of ear infection is common in children but can occur at any age. It usually results in a decrease in hearing for the duration of the ear infection but doesn’t always result in pain or discomfort.
   
   
2. Labyrinthitis - Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder that occurs when the two vestibular nerves in your inner ear are inflamed. These nerves help to control your balance, and when inflamed can cause dizziness, nausea and loss of hearing.
   
   
3. Swimmer’s ear (outer ear infection) - Also known as otitis externa, this can occur after prolonged exposure to moisture (sometimes called swimmer’s ear) or after a scratch or skin condition allows bacteria to enter the skin in the ear canal and outer ear.
   
   
4. Chronic ear infection - Sometimes known as recurring acute otitis media, a chronic ear infection is an ear infection that doesn’t heal or regularly returns. This infection usually affects the space behind the eardrum (the middle ear).

Ear infections can come on suddenly, and are usually (but not always) accompanied by a change in hearing and some discomfort in the affected ear. Other signs could be:

1. Pain or dull ache in ear
2. Fever or headache
3. Hearing loss or difficulty hearing
4. Ears feeling blocked or full
5. Dizziness
6. Loss of balance
7. Nausea or vomiting