Everybody has dealt with the pain and discomfort caused by ear infections. Though ear infections are harmless a majority of the time, it’s important to have all the facts to properly diagnose and treat ear infections.

How Does an Ear Infection Start?

More often than not, ear infections affect the middle ear where the Eustachian tubes connect to the back of your nose to your ears. During an ear infection, these small tubes become blocked, causing a build-up in the middle of the ear.

What are the Symptoms of Ear Infections?

Some people may not have obvious symptoms when an ear infection occurs. However, the most common ear infection symptoms include:

  • Ear Pain
  • Muffled Hearing
  • Dizziness
  • Ear Pressure
  • Fever

Treating Ear Infections

It’s vital to treat ear infections as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can lead to a more severe ear infection, permanent hearing loss and problems with speech development in children. Treatment options for ear infections include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Pain medications, such as ibuprofen
  • Prescription ear drops

If you suspect you may have an ear infection, call for an appointment with Dr. Ganc.