Different Types of Ear Infections

The three different types of ear infections that are most common are otitis interna, which is also known as labyrinthitis or inner ear infection, otitis media which is inflammation within the middle ear or an ear infection, and last but not least, you have otitis externa which is also known as swimmer's ear or an outer ear infection. Out of all three different types of ear infections, otitis media is the most common.

Otitis Media

As stated earlier, otitis media is described as inflammation within the middle ear or an ear infection. Often, this inflammation starts when the infections are present that cause colds, sore throats, and breathing and respiratory problems and begin spreading into the middle ear. These types of ear infections can either be bacterial or viral infections. Some of the common names that are used to describe otitis media are inner ear infection, middle ear infection and ear infection.

Otitis media has two main types: the first type is referred to as acute otitis media or AOM. What this means is that certain parts of the ear are swollen and infected. This also means the mucus and fluid are all trapped inside of the ear. AOM is known to be very painful.

The second type of otitis media has a presence of effusion or fluid, and is also referred to as OME. With this type, the mucus and fluid stay logged within the ear once the infection is gone. OME makes it a lot harder for the ear to fight off any new infections. Your child's hearing can also be affected by this fluid.

Otitis Externa

Swimmer's ear or otitis externa is basically an ear infection that affects the outer ear canal or the outer ear. Swimmer's ear can cause the ear to become inflamed and red and itch so that the movement of the head or the touching of the ear is extremely painful. In some cases, there can be pus that drains from the ear as well.

When people get contaminated water in their ear, it can result in this type of ear infection. Usually, swimmer's ear will occur within a couple of days of being in the contaminated water or placing objects that are contaminated in the ear. Remember that swimmer's ear isn't anything like the middle ear infection that was common during childhood. In the event that you can wiggle the outer part of the ear without discomfort or pain, more than likely the ear infection isn't swimmer's ear.

Now that you are more familiar with the different types of ear infections, you will know what is going on the next time you experience pain or discomfort in your ear.