Ear Infections: Critical or Minor?

The ear is one of the most fascinating parts of the human body. Our ears give us the ability to hear the nature around us, or a simple “I love you” from our family and friends. The sense of sound is commonly taken for granted, and most people in Birmingham, AL don’t realize the complicated process that goes into hearing our surroundings.

The ear has three parts; the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear consists of the pinna, the temporal bone, and the auditory canal, but the middle and inner parts of the ear are much more complex. The middle ear has three tiny bones called the Malleus (hammer), the Incus (anvil), and the Stapes (stirrup). When sound hits the middle ear, this is when sound is transferred from air to liquid. The inner ear holds the semicircular canals and the cochlea. This part of the ear is the most crucial part of the ear when it comes to hearing and balance. Without the cochlea, it is impossible to detect sound. Some people who do not have the ability to hear choose to obtain a cochlear implant.

One of the most common injuries that occur to the ear in Birmingham, AL is an ear infection. When many Americans get an ear infection, most either try some sort of home remedy, or simply ignore it. However, most people do not realize that ear infections should be examined and inspected by a trained ENT.

The parts of the ear where an ear infection usually takes place is either in the canal, the eardrum (otitis externa), or the middle part of the ear (otitis media).  Symptoms can include ear pain, fullness of ear, ringing in the ear, discharge in the ear, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Just in case you or your child obtains an unexpected ear infection, here are some steps to follow.

1. Take appropriate dosage of ibuprofen and motrin every 6-8 hours if necessary for pain relief and fever control.
2. If symptoms are still occurring after a few days, it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

Ear infections tend to be minor, but should always be taken seriously. If the infection is ignored, we could end up being in an undesirable scenario of hospitalization or even death. When your child starts complaining about an earache, don’t be too worried, but most importantly, don’t ignore the pain. To learn moreabout ear infections, visit medlineplus.gov

Should your child be experiencing the symptoms of an ear infection, do not hesitate to get in touch with the child ENT specialist at Pediatric ENT Associates in Birmingham, AL for your infant ear infection treatment by calling (205) 831-0101 or filling out the online contact form. The sooner you take action, the better your child’s chances at complete recovery.

Next, find out if your Child is a Good Candidate for a Cochlear Implant

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