Ear infections are caused by several factors and can affect both children and adults. Ear infections can cause pain and discomfort and lead to additional health problems, such as hearing loss, if left untreated. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor could develop an individualized treatment plan for you or your child. Dr. Frank Kardos is your ENT doctor in Wayne, NJ, for the treatment of ear infections.
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Types of Ear Infections

Ear infections can be caused by various factors, including sinus infections, bacterial infections, allergies, and colds. Other potential causes of ear infections include smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke and climate or altitude changes. Infants and young children can develop ear infections from using a pacifier or drinking from a bottle. Many of these factors contribute to the development of ear infections by causing fluid to build up in the middle ear, which can result in blockages that prevent the ear from draining properly.

The ear is comprised of three main areas that can each become infected. The three types of ear infections include:

• Outer Ear / Otitis Externa — Also referred to as swimmer’s ear, this type of ear infection results from inflammation in the outer ear, which can be caused by the presence of water, sand, or dirt in the ear canal. Symptoms of an outer ear infection include swelling and redness in the outer ear, itching, and severe pain.
• Middle Ear / Otitis Media — This type of ear infection is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, which could be triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body, allergies, or a blocked Eustachian tube. One symptom of a middle ear infection is the discharge of a thick fluid from the middle ear.
• Inner Ear / Otitis Interna — This type of ear infection is often caused by an existing infection in another part of the body, such as a sinus, throat, or tooth infection. Symptoms of an inner ear infection include tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Treatments for Ear Infections

It is important to see an ENT specialist for treatment if you or your child develop(s) an ear infection. Untreated ear infections can result in hearing loss, bone or cartilage damage in the ear, or recurring ear infections. At our ENT practice in Wayne, ear infections can be treated in several ways. Dr. Kardos can recommend the right options for best treating an ear infection based on the type and cause of infection. Treatments include:

• Medication to relieve pain
• Oral antibiotics for clearing up bacterial infections
• Ear drops for pain relief or to block bacterial growth
• Ear tubes to improve ventilation and prevent fluid build up
• Myringotomy (draining of fluids from behind the eardrum)

Ear infections can cause pain and discomfort and can lead to long-term complications, such as hearing loss, if not treated in a timely manner. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos if you have an ear infection by calling our office in Wayne, NJ, at (973) 956-1200.

Find out what could be to blame for your ear infection and what you can do to stop it.

Are you or your little one dealing with persistent ear infections? If so, you may be wondering what’s going on and if there are certain things you can do to prevent these infections from happening. Our Wayne, NJ, otolaryngologists Dr. Frank Kardos and Dr. Gary Hilt are here to provide the information you need to understand why ear infections happen and simple measures you can take to prevent them from occurring.

What is an ear infection?

Lying just being the eardrum is your middle ear, which can become inflamed when bacteria or a virus affects this inner structure. This inflammation often results in severe pain.

While ear infections can happen to anyone, children are often more prone to developing ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are smaller, making it’s easier for bacteria to get trapped within the ear. Most children will develop an ear infection at some point, but it’s important that an ear infection is evaluated by our Wayne, NJ, ENT specialist to treat the infection and to prevent permanent damage to the ear, which can result in hearing loss if left untreated.

What can cause an ear infection?

As we mentioned above, bacteria or a virus can lead to an ear infection. When fluid accumulates in the middle ear it can result in a blockage in the Eustachian tubes. The tubes run from the ears to the back of the throat; however, when a blockage occurs there is nowhere for the fluid to drain. These blockages are often due to:

• Allergies
• The common cold
• Sinus infections
• Smoking
• Air pressure changes

How do I know if I have an ear infection?

The most obvious symptom of an ear infection is an earache, and the pain may range from mild to severe. Pain may also be accompanied by pressure or fullness in the ear. You may notice that your hearing is muffled or it’s more difficult to hear things around you. In some instances, you may notice pus or liquid draining from the ear.

Toddlers and infants with ear infections won’t be able to tell you that their ear hurts, but they may tug or pull at the ear, have trouble sleeping, be more fussy and irritable, or cry whenever they lie down.

If you or a loved one is suffering from severe or chronic ear infections it’s the right time to visit our ENT doctor in Wayne, NJ. Call us today to schedule a much-needed appointment with us.

The ear itself is made up of three parts: the middle ear, inner ear and the outer ear. Each of these parts can become infected leading to severe pain. While most ear pain resolves itself in a few days, if your ear pain has not gone away, a physical examination is important from Dr. Frank Kardos in Wayne, NJ, for obtaining treatment to alleviate your symptoms.

About Ear Infections

Each of the three infections have different symptoms, making it important to seek medical help in order to be treated properly for your particular infection.

The outer ear infection is known as swimmer’s ear. This results in inflammation from bacteria in the outer ear. This happens when dirt, sand or water gets into the ear canal. Symptoms of this ear infection including itching, redness, swelling and severe pain. Fluid drainage may also occur. Complications from untreated ear infection can include recurring ear infections, bone or cartilage damage or hearing loss.

A middle ear infection can be triggered by allergies, an infection in the body or a blocked eustachian tube. A thick, glue-like fluid may drain from the ear. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and can range from ear drops to the surgical insertion of tubes. An inner ear infection is generally caused by a sinus, throat or even a tooth infection. Some symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hearing loss and tinnitus.

Always seek medical attention if you think you have an ear infection in Wayne. Dr. Kardos is well versed in different types of infections and the symptoms associated with them. Leaving them untreated can lead to dangerous health risks. If you suspect that you or your child has an ear infection, please contact our Wayne, NJ office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kardos at 973-956-1200 today.