Chronic Ear Infection

A chronic ear infection is any inflammation or infection of the ear that is recurring or frequent in occurrence. They often cause long term and/or permanent damage to the ear of the patient.

A chronic ear infection is not necessarily an acute ear infection. An acute ear infection is easily identified by the severe pain that is associated with it. Acute ear infections don’t often go untreated due to the painful nature of the condition.

Chronic ear infections on the other hand may or may not be associated with severe pain. In some cases they cause only mild discomfort. Due to this…chronic ear infections can sometimes go unnoticed and, therefore, untreated for a long period of time.

Look for the following signs and symptoms when attempting to identify a chronic ear infection:

1. Discomfort or pain in the ear. It may be mild or severe. In some cases it may just feel like pressure in the ear.

2. Fever

3. Crankiness (or fussiness in children)

4. Drainage from the ear (puss-like)

5. Loss of hearing

The symptoms of a chronic ear infection are not always limited to one ear. They may be experienced in one or both ears. They also may not be constant; they can come and go.

If the chronic ear infection is due to bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to decrease recovery time. Antibiotics may be required for an extended period of time (either orally or intravenously). For patients who have chronic ear infections that have resulted in a hole in the ear drum antibiotic drops will be applied directly into the ear.

In some cases surgery may be required. Some patients may have tissue buildup that needs to be removed by a surgeon. Other patients may require surgery to clear the infection out of the mastoid bone. Other patients may require surgery to repair or replace the small bones in the middle ear region. Some patients may require surgical reparation of the ear drum.