Ear infection, middle ear

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications

Preparing for your appointment
Tests and diagnosis
Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies
Prevention

Definition

Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, are among the most common illnesses of early childhood. Three out of four children have had at least one ear infection by age 3, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Although ear infections worry parents and make children uncomfortable, most ear infections clear up on their own within a few days. Most children stop having ear infections by age 4 or 5.

Adults rarely get middle ear infections. The treatments for adult ear infections are similar to those for children, although surgery is seldom necessary.

Symptoms