Eardrum infection or bullous myringitis is commonly linked with a coexisting infection in the inner ear or otitis media. This condition can also occur along with otitis media in most cases. The symptoms can be similar to otitis media which remains the usual diagnosis given to children who undergo a check-up. If you suspect than an individual has eardrum infection, it is important to have it properly assessed. Some who have the condition might not seek treatment since they believe that it might only be otitis media.
When it comes to certain conditions that affects the ears, it is important to seek immediate emergency care if the symptoms starts to affect the daily activities of the individual. By enrolling in a first aid course, you will learn how to handle some of the issues that affects the ears.
Ear pain
One of the common symptoms of eardrum infection in older children and adolescents is ear pain. Among infants and toddlers below 2 years old, this symptom is not common. On the other hand, those who can perceive the ear pain might not be able to say or vocalized that they are in pain. The parents will only notice the distinctive tugging of the affected ear in most cases.
Vertigo or dizziness
Vertigo is basically the sensation of spinning or the surroundings is spinning or whirling around. It is important to note that vertigo can also indicate a sensation of dizziness, even though it is a technical term that indicates lightheadedness, imbalance and unsteadiness. The reason for this symptom of eardrum infection is still unclear until today.
Based on studies conducted, a possible reason for the connection between the dizziness and an infected middle ear is that the inner ear which is involved in the balance and steadiness is affected by the infection of the middle ear. Since the middle ear and inner ear are close to each other anatomically, there is a possibility that the inner ear can end up impacted by infection within the middle ear.
Hearing loss
Individuals who have a septic middle ear and eardrum can suffer from hearing loss if the condition is left unchecked. This can occur since the area at the rear of the eardrum ends up congested with the build-up of secretions that are generated by the middle ear. As a result, this puts pressure on the eardrum, causing it to bulge while at the same time allowing the doctor to come up with a diagnosis of an ear infection. Take note that the fluid accumulation has no exit point in the middle ear, thus resulting to hearing loss that is similar to one that is triggered when using earplugs in the ears. If the fluid cannot drain out of the ear, the hearing loss will surely persist.