While ear infections are more common in children, adults can suffer from them as well. Some ear infections can become so severe they can cause damage to the eardrum and eventual rupture. Chronic ear infections can lead to hearing loss so it imperative patients are aware of the signs of infection and how their doctor will reach their Ear Diagnosis in Allentown PA.
The symptoms of ear infections are pain in the ear, fever, and sometimes drainage. If bleeding is occurring in the ear, this is typically a sign the eardrum has ruptured. Pus drainage may occur in severe infections. Some individuals report feeling a sensation of fullness in the ear and they may hear fluid moving about behind the eardrum. Severe ear infections can also lead to a temporary hearing loss.
There are three diagnoses of ear infections:
- Acute otitis media is the most common form of ear infection. This type of infection comes on suddenly and is typically fairly easy to treat as long as a patient follows the instructions for taking their antibiotic.
- Otitis media with effusion means fluid has been found in the ear but there is no sign of infection. This is sometimes the diagnosis patients receive when their ears are beginning to become infected but have not yet reached the full infection state.
- Chronic suppurative otitis media is the diagnosis a patient is a given when the doctor finds sufficient evidence to suggest a patient has been suffering from chronic ear infections that have damaged or perforated the eardrum.
There are some tools a doctor will use to reach an Ear Diagnosis in Allentown PA. A pneumatic otoscope allows the doctor to view the inside components of the ear to check for signs of infection. This tool gently puffs air against the eardrum so the doctor can determine if there is fluid behind the drum. Ears that are infected will not allow the eardrum to move as it normally would.
If you feel you may have an ear infection, it is important you see a doctor as soon as possible so your eardrum is not damaged. For further information on ear disorders and treatment, visit our website.
