The most common type of ear infection develops in the middle ear, which is a space behind the eardrum that connects the back of the throat via a Eustachian tube.  The ear naturally produces fluid, and that fluid drains into this tiny channel.  The purpose of the draining is to keep the middle ear clean and dry.  When the Eustachian tube gets blocked, fluid builds up in the middle ear.  This allows for viruses and bacteria to build up causing an infection.

The most common patients to obtain ear infections are infants and young children.  It is possible for teens and adults to also obtain an ear infection.

Our goal is to ease any pain you’re receiving but to also prevent hearing loss.

When do you need to be seen for an ear infection?

If you‘re experiencing any of the following symptoms it would be wise to be evaluated in person.

• Fever
• Muffled hearing
• Fluid draining from your ear
• Severe or throbbing ear pain
• A sensation that your ear is underwater

Depending on the severity of your ear pain/infection, it is possible that you could need antibiotics or a simple warm compress.  This is why we make ourselves available seven days a week with evening hours to help ensure we can properly evaluate things.  Because let’s face it, it is a lot easier for someone with proper tools to look inside your ears than you trying to use three mirrors while bending over shining the light from your phone toward your ear in an attempt to self-diagnose what is going on.

Let us help treat you.