Inner ear problems often involve balancing or spatial recognition, including infection, hearing loss, and balance disorders. However, infections can also lead to other symptoms, such as dizziness or headaches.
When you’re experiencing the symptoms of an ear infection, it’s important to recognize them so that you can seek proper treatment. If untreated, infections can spread to the inner ear and cause permanent damage.
Common Signs of Ear Infections
Ear infections are extremely common in children. They’re caused by bacteria that typically originate from the back of the throat. While adults often only experience ear infections a few times in their lives, children may suffer from three or more ear infections a year.
Chronic ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss, which can be tough to deal with at any age. Some of the most common ear infection symptoms include:
1) Earache
Earaches are a classic symptom of inner ear infections. The pain may seem to come from deep within your ear or from the outer ear. Earaches may be worse at night when your ears are more likely to be affected by gravity.
2) Nausea or Vomiting
Ear infections, especially the more severe ones, can lead to nausea and vomiting. If the pain is severe enough, you may vomit without even feeling nauseous. If you’re vomiting consistently, you should seek medical attention right away.
3) Tinnitus or Ringing in Your Ears
Ringing in the ears is another symptom of ear infections. The sound may fluctuate or be constant, but it’s usually more noticeable in quiet environments. Frequent tinnitus can damage your hearing over time.
4) Hearing Loss
If you’re experiencing ear pain, nausea, or tinnitus, it might be a sign of hearing loss. While hearing loss is common among older adults, it’s especially common among younger persons who experience ear infections.
Balance Disorders
Balancing problems, especially inner ear balance disorders, are also a sign of ear infections. Balance disorders can be caused by inner ear infections, injuries, or even neurological disorders.
Some of the common balance disorders include:
1) Vertigo
Vertigo is the medical term for a feeling of dizziness or a sensation of movement. Vertigo can be caused by inner ear infections, but it can also be caused by a stroke or an inner ear tumor.
2) Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a form of vertigo that is caused by moving vehicles. If you often get sick when you ride in a car, a boat, or a plane, you should seek medical attention right away. Motion sickness can be linked to inner ear problems.
3) Dizziness
Dizziness is a form of vertigo that is not caused by motion. If you experience dizziness, you may begin to feel lightheaded or lose your balance. The feeling can last for a few seconds or a few minutes. If you experience dizziness, you should seek medical attention.
Inner Ear Treatment
If you believe your ear pain is caused by an inner ear infection, it’s important to see a medical professional immediately. While ear infections typically resolve on their own, they can cause permanent damage if they’re not treated properly.
If your ear infection is caused by an inner ear problem, your doctor will likely perform an ENT examination. He or she will look for any changes or abnormalities on the surface of your ears or inside the ear canal.
Conclusion
Inner ear problems are a common cause of ear pain. If you’re experiencing earache, you should see a medical professional to learn about the underlying cause.
Make sure you are on top of your ear health by visiting the best hearing clinic in Rhode Island. At Hear More Associates Enterprise, we provide consultations in regards to your ear health and have resources that will help you. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
