Different types of ear infections?
Ear infections can occur in different parts of the ear and usually require different treatments. An outer ear infection (otitis externa), located in the ear canal (where wax sometimes accumulates), is often related to swimming and is usually treated with ear drops. An infection of the middle ear (otitis media) is located behind the eardrum. Antibiotic pills are usually necessary to treat these infections. A physician can tell whether the infection involves the middle or outer ear by doing an ear examination. Sometimes fluid accumulates behind the eardrum after a middle ear infection (ear effusion). This fluid may be hard to get rid of and may last for many months, causing muffled/decreased hearing. The fluid usually goes away eventually without treatment, although this can take time. Fluid behind the eardrum sometimes requires special treatment, however, including antibiotics or a surgical procedure (such as ear tubes) if frequent infections are a problem or if hearing is significantly
