External, Middle, and Inner Infections- Is There a Difference?

The Different Types of Ear Infections - External ear infection, Middle ear infection and Inner ear Infection- Is There a Difference? What does each type of ear infection mean?

Though the Ear seems very simple, it is one of the most complex organs in the body. The external part of the ear is only “the edge of the iceberg”. The ear has three different parts – the external ear (which is the part we see), the middle ear (which is behind the ear drum and connects to our sinuses) and the inner ear which is the cochlea that turns sounds to electrical signals sent to the brain.

Each part of the ear can get infected, and just as they have different names and characteristics, they are influenced differently from ear infections. Ear infections are all painful and are dreaded among most people. The term “ear infection” is familiar to most people but not the different types of ear infections. Knowing the three different types of ear infections is important in order to successfully treat them.

What Are The Differences Between Ear Infections?

External ear infections can be the most painful out of all of them. External ear infections are also called Otitis Externa and Swimmer’s Ear. This type of ear infection is caused when the skin inside of the ear canal becomes infected and swollen. This frequently causes the ear canal to swell and become inflamed. Otitis Externa can be quite painful, but can also be treated more easily than other ear infections. Usually Otitis Externa is treated by antibiotic ear drops.

Middle ear infections are considered the most common type of ear infection. This type of infection is also called Otitis Media. Middle ear infections occur in the space behind the ear drum, which sometimes fill with fluid and air. When a middle ear infection occurs, the eardrum can begins to bulge due to fluid and air accumulate din the middle ear. Like a water balloon, if the fluid continues to accumulate behind the eardrum rather than drain through the Eustachian tube, the eardrum may rupture. If the Ear drum ruptures, the pain decreases significantly since the fluid and air drain out of the middle ear through the rupture.

Inner ear infections are normally painless! Surprising, huh?! Inner ear infections are normally caused by a virus and can last for multiple weeks at a time, sometimes even months. If you are experiencing an inner ear infection it is common for hearing loss and tinnitus to occur as well, and in some cases even Vertigo. It is not easy to diagnose inner ear infections because it is located inside the skull behind the ear. Inner ear infection affects the nerves connecting the ear to the brain and the only way to properly diagnose it is based on patient’s history and audiograms. In some cases a doctor may use a CT scan to diagnose an inner ear infection.

An inside look of the ear – Where is each infection?

All Ear Infections Are Not The Same

After reading this article, we hope you now have a better understanding on the different types and causes of ear infections. While middle ear infections are the most common, do not automatically assume that your ear infection is this type. Consult with an ear nose and throat doctor so that the cause of your pain can be properly diagnosed. There are Many different treatments, both medical and alternative treatments.