Adult ear infections cause distinct symptoms that differ from childhood ear infections. They often develop more gradually but potentially cause significant pain and hearing problems.
Primary pain symptoms: Deep, aching ear pain is the hallmark of middle ear infections in adults. This pain typically worsens when lying down or during air pressure changes.
Sharp, stabbing pain may occur with sudden movements or when touching the ear area.
Throbbing pain that intensifies at night often disrupts sleep and daily activities.
Hearing-related symptoms: Muffled hearing or feeling like sounds are distant occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum.
Temporary hearing loss in the affected ear may be mild to moderate, depending on fluid accumulation.
Ear fullness creates a sensation like having water trapped in your ear that doesn’t drain.
Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds) may accompany the infection.
Discharge and drainage: Clear, yellow, or bloody discharge from the ear indicates possible eardrum perforation, which can actually temporarily reduce pain.
Foul-smelling drainage suggests bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
Crusty discharge around the ear opening after sleeping.
Associated symptoms: Fever in adults is less common than in children, but can occur with bacterial infections.
A headache on the same side as the infected ear.
Jaw pain or difficulty chewing due to pressure and inflammation.
Dizziness or balance problems when inner ear structures are affected.
Cold symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat often precede or accompany ear infections.
Middle ear vs. outer ear infections: Middle ear infections cause deep pain, hearing loss, and pressure sensations.
Outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear) cause pain when pulling on the earlobe and may have visible redness in the ear canal.
When symptoms worsen: Severe, unrelenting pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications.
High fever (102°F or above) can suggest a serious bacterial infection.
Facial weakness or drooping on the affected side requires immediate medical attention.
Severe dizziness or loss of balance indicates potential inner ear involvement.
Duration concerns: Symptoms persisting beyond 3-4 days without improvement warrant medical evaluation.
Recurrent infections (multiple episodes within months) need investigation for underlying causes.
If you’re experiencing persistent ear pain, hearing loss, or discharge, ChatRx can help evaluate your symptoms and determine if antibiotic treatment is appropriate for your ear infection.
