Ear Infection in Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Drops from the Pharmacy

Some people may experience ear pain, and perhaps a sensation of fullness inside the ear, coinciding with hearing impairment or a constant, non-stop ringing (tinnitus).

The ear is not just a single part; it is deeper than what we see from its external appearance. It extends into the head to connect subsequently to the brain via specific nerves that transmit hearing and balance information. Thus, the ear's function is not only hearing but also maintaining balance.

The symptoms of ear infections in adults vary according to the affected area: the outer part, the middle ear, or the inner ear. Therefore, what are the most important symptoms? And what is the best ear infection drop for adults?

Can Adults Get Ear Infections?

Although ear infections—especially middle ear infections—are more common in children, they can also affect adults. Usually, the infection is mild and clears up quickly, but sometimes it can indicate a more serious health problem that requires specific medical intervention.

Symptoms of Ear Infection in Adults

There are three main types of ear infections in adults. Symptoms are determined based on the part of the ear affected by the infection or inflammation, as shown below:

Symptoms of Otitis Externa (Outer Ear Infection) in Adults

The outer ear is the part that extends from the eardrum to the ear opening. Inflammation often begins here as an itchy rash, and the ear may become:

• Red.

• Swollen.

• Painful.

Symptoms of Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) in Adults

The middle ear is located directly behind the eardrum. Infection occurs due to fluid trapped behind the eardrum, causing it to bulge. The patient feels fullness in the ear along with pain. This infection may also be accompanied by:

• Fever.

• Difficulty hearing until the inflammation subsides.

• Fluid drainage from the ear; this may be a sign that the infection has progressed to a ruptured eardrum, which can cause sudden hearing loss, though it usually heals spontaneously.

Symptoms of Otitis Interna (Inner Ear Infection) in Adults

The inner ear is located inside the skull behind the middle ear and contains special organs that control your hearing and balance. Inner ear infections are much less common and can result from viruses. In addition to ear pain, symptoms include:

• Dizziness.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Vertigo.

• Sudden hearing loss.

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

Causes of Ear Pain in Adults

The ear can become inflamed due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Generally, the causes of inflammation, according to the affected area, include:

Causes of Outer Ear Infection

A common cause of outer ear infection is what is known as "Swimmer's Ear." People who spend a long time in the water, such as swimming or showering, are more susceptible to this infection, as moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Additionally, if your outer ear is scratched or if the outer lining is irritated by inserting a finger or other objects, a bacterial infection may occur.

Causes of Middle Ear Infection

Colds, the flu, or allergies usually lead to middle ear infections, as do other upper respiratory problems like sinus infections or sore throats, because bacteria make their way through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear.

Furthermore, smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke are more susceptible to this type of ear infection.

The Eustachian tube is supposed to control pressure in the ear by connecting the ear to the nose and throat, but with inflammation, the affected tube can swell and prevent drainage, leading to the accumulation of fluids.

Causes of Inner Ear Infection

The inner ear most often becomes inflamed due to a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. To a lesser extent, the inner ear may become inflamed as a result of a head injury.

Complications of Ear Infection in Adults

The matter does not stop at suffering from ear pain or slight hearing loss; ear infections in adults can lead to complications if left untreated, such as:

1. Cellulitis

A skin infection that occurs if the outer ear infection spreads from the ear canal to the skin outside the ear. Signs include the skin being red, warm, and painful to the touch.

2. Mastoiditis

Sometimes a middle or outer ear infection can spread to the mastoid bone (the bony prominence located behind the ear in the skull). In the case of inflammation, the area behind the ear becomes red and painful, and the ear may protrude. Mastoiditis can even lead to various infections inside the brain.

3. Ruptured or Perforated Eardrum

A middle ear infection can cause a lot of pus and pressure, which may press against the eardrum, eventually leading to its rupture or perforation.

4. Hearing Loss

Hearing may be lost temporarily after a middle ear infection and usually recovers after the infection disappears. However, the structures of the middle ear can be damaged if the infection persists, which may cause permanent rather than temporary hearing loss.

Treatment of Ear Infection in Adults

From the above, the necessity of treating ear infections is clear. However, treatment depends on the type of infection or the cause of the inflammation:

Treatment of Outer Ear Infection

1. Antibiotic Ear Drops

These help treat the bacterial infection causing the inflammation and help reduce pain and swelling (e.g., Ofloxacin drops).

2. Combination Antibiotic and Steroid Ear Drops

Suitable when there is significant swelling; these treat the infection and the swelling of the ear canal (e.g., drops containing Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone or Neomycin and Hydrocortisone).

3. Ear Wicks

In cases of severe swelling, a doctor may use an ear wick—a piece of cellulose soaked in antibiotic and steroid drops—to help reduce swelling and deliver the medication into the ear canal.

4. Pain Relievers

Such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve pain associated with outer ear infection.

Treatment of Middle Ear Infection

1. Oral Antibiotics

Prescribed to treat the bacterial infection causing the middle ear inflammation (e.g., Amoxicillin).

2. Antibiotic Ear Drops

May be needed especially if the eardrum has ruptured, as these drops help the eardrum heal and clear the infection faster.

3. Pain Relievers

Such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol.

Treatment of Inner Ear Infection

Symptoms usually disappear spontaneously. Some patients may occasionally need medications to relieve dizziness and vertigo. Most people improve with rest and home remedies, though various medications may be prescribed depending on the cause, such as antivirals, antibiotics, or corticosteroids.

Best Ear Infection Treatment Drops for Adults

Aljawaher Almotamyza Pharmacies provide several ear drops for treating infections, to be used according to your doctor's instructions:

1. Autocol Ear Drops

Autocol ear drops contain an antibiotic (Chloramphenicol) to treat bacterial infection, plus a numbing agent (Benzocaine) for pain.

2. Otipax Ear Drops

Optipax drops are used to relieve middle ear inflammation for adults and children from 6 months and older; it contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances.

3. Neodex Drops

Neodex Drops for the ear and eye to relieve inflammation; contains the antibiotic Neomycin and the corticosteroid Dexamethasone.

4. Gentacin Drops

Gentacin drops are used to treat bacterial ear and eye infections; they contain the antibiotic Gentamicin.