In our lives, we can experience various ailments and diseases that can be annoying, such as ear infections, which are some of the most common ailments affecting children and adults. Even though these conditions often appear in childhood, adults can also experience them. Hearing consultations with professionals are important as they can alert you of any developing infections and deal with them immediately. The topic of our discussion today is comprehending the causes of why ear infections occur within us. One of the most common reasons why it is recommended to go to a professional when you experience an ear infection is that you could lose your hearing, causing you to be required to wear hearing aids or cochlear implants to assist with your hearing.
How do such infections occur in our ears?
Infections in the ear occur when bacteria, fungi, or viruses infect the ear, leading to fluid lodged within the ear canal and inflammation. The middle ear (otitis media) and the outer ear (otitis externa) are some of the most common locations where ear infections occur, but there is also a chance of your inner ear (labyrinthitis) being affected by ear infections. While children and adults can be affected by ear infections, the causes for both vastly differ.
Prevalent Reason as to Why Ear Infections Occur in Children:
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs):
When you are affected by flu, colds, or other infections that can influence your respiratory tract, there is a chance that these infections will spread to your middle ear, causing swelling and fluid accumulation in your ear.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction:
The eustachian tube (a tube connecting the throat to the middle ear) is not that long in a child’s body, which is why it is easier for bacteria to reach the middle ear when they infect the respiratory tract. When the eustachian tube is infected, pressure can be felt in the ear, which can also trigger more infections.
Allergies:
When you experience an allergic reaction, nasal congestion and fluid accumulation may occur, which can strengthen the risk of middle ear infections. Children who are sensitive to allergies are prone to experiencing ear discomfort.
Passive Smoking:
The fumes of cigarettes contain various chemicals that can irritate your eustachian tube, causing fluid accumulation and increasing the chance of ear infections. Children who are exposed to smoke at home or in public locations are at a higher risk of acquiring ear discomfort.
Common Reasons as to Why Ear Infections Occur In Adults:
Sinus Infections & Congestions:
Various adults develop ear infections due to chronic sinusitis throughout their lives, which causes fluid accumulation in their middle ear. Allergic reactions or nasal congestion caused by flu or colds can also block the eustachian tube.
Chronic Health Conditions:
Diabetic Individuals or those with compromised immune systems will be more prone to acquiring ear infections.
Exposure to Water:
When we are exposed to water while swimming or showering, fluid can get lodged within our ear canals. This can cause swimmer’s ear, referred to as otitis externa. In this infection, the presence of water within the ear provides a suitable environment for bacterial growth. Poor ear hygiene or scratching in the ear canal can worsen this infection.
Conclusion:
In various ways, ear infections can occur within the ears of children and adults. Some of the most common reasons for children include upper respiratory infections (URIs), allergies, passive smoking, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Common reasons it occurs in adults are sinus infections, chronic health conditions, and exposure to water causing swimmers’ ears. We recommend consulting the professionals at Dr. Najam’s Cochlear Implant Centre, as they can assist you with ear infections and offer you cochlear implant solutions in Karachi if your hearing reaches a degree that requires its presence.
