Understanding otitis media: causes, symptoms & treatment

Otitis media is a middle ear infection that causes inflammation and fluid build-up behind the eardrum. It’s a common condition that can affect both children and adults, often developing after a cold, sinus infection, or allergy. While it can cause discomfort or temporary hearing loss, most cases clear up with time and the right care.

At Leightons, we understand how worrying ear pain or hearing changes can be. Our experienced audiologists can assess your ear health, explain what’s happening, and guide you to the right support to keep your hearing healthy.

What is otitis media?

Otitis media refers to an infection or inflammation of the middle ear - the small space behind your eardrum that contains tiny bones responsible for hearing. This area is connected to the back of your throat by a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps equalise pressure and drain fluid from the ear.

When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked or swollen, fluid can build up in the middle ear. This trapped fluid can become infected by bacteria or viruses, leading to pain, pressure, and sometimes hearing loss.

Otitis media is especially common in children because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making it easier for infections to develop.

What causes otitis media?

Several factors can contribute to the development of a middle ear infection, including:

  • Viral or bacterial infections, often following colds or flu
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction, which prevents proper drainage
  • Allergies or sinus congestion
  • Adenoid enlargement in children, which can block the Eustachian tube
  • Smoke exposure, which can irritate the ear and throat

These issues can trap fluid behind the eardrum, creating an ideal environment for infection.

Common symptoms of otitis media

Symptoms of otitis media can vary depending on age and severity but may include:

  • Ear pain or a feeling of fullness
  • Hearing loss or muffled hearing
  • Fluid discharge from the ear (if the eardrum ruptures)
  • Fever or feeling generally unwell
  • Irritability or trouble sleeping (especially in children)
  • Balance problems or dizziness in some cases

In children, signs may also include tugging at the ear or difficulty responding to quiet sounds. If symptoms persist beyond a few days, it’s best to seek professional advice.

Types of otitis media

There are a few different types of otitis media, depending on how long the infection lasts and whether fluid remains trapped in the ear:

  • Acute Otitis Media (AOM): A short-term infection that causes ear pain, redness, and sometimes fever.
  • Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Also known as glue ear, this is when fluid remains in the middle ear after infection but without active symptoms.
  • Chronic Otitis Media: Ongoing or repeated infections that can lead to longer-term hearing issues or ear discharge.

How is otitis media diagnosed and treated?

A GP or ENT specialist will usually diagnose otitis media by looking inside the ear with an otoscope and checking for signs of redness, swelling, or fluid.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the infection:

  • Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
  • Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is bacterial or persistent.
  • Nasal sprays or decongestants can help relieve pressure and aid drainage.
  • In recurring cases, grommet surgery (tiny tubes placed in the eardrum) may be recommended to help fluid drain and prevent further infections.

Most infections clear up within a week or two. However, follow-up hearing checks can ensure that any fluid or hearing changes have resolved fully.

Preventing otitis media

While not all ear infections can be avoided, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Treating colds and allergies promptly
  • Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke
  • Keeping ears clean and dry (without inserting objects like cotton buds)
  • Managing sinus issues or congestion early
  • Booking regular hearing assessments to identify recurring ear problems early

How Leightons can help

At Leightons, our audiologists provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to identify signs of infection, fluid build-up, or hearing loss. If otitis media is suspected, we can:

  • Explain your results clearly and refer you to your GP or ENT specialist if needed
  • Provide follow-up hearing tests after recovery
  • Offer advice on keeping your ears healthy and preventing future infections

We’re here to help you and your family protect your hearing, stay comfortable, and feel confident in your ear health.

Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step towards clearer, healthier hearing.

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Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Understanding mastoiditis: causes, symptoms & treatment
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious ear infection that affects the mastoid bone, which sits just behind the ear. It usually develops when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and fluid build-up. Although it sounds alarming, mastoiditis can be successfully treated with prompt medical care. At Leightons, we understand that ear pain and swelling can be worrying. Our audiologists are here to check your ear health, explain what’s happening, and help guide you to the right care if an infection is suspected. What is mastoiditis? The mastoid bone is part of your skull and contains small air-filled spaces that help drain the middle ear. When bacteria from an untreated or severe ear infection spread to this bone, it can become inflamed and filled with infected fluid. This condition is known as mastoiditis. If not treated quickly, the infection can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, damage to nearby structures - which is why early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential. What causes mastoiditis? Mastoiditis most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection that hasn’t fully cleared. When bacteria remain trapped in the middle ear, they can spread into the mastoid bone, causing inflammation and infection. Common causes and contributing factors include: Untreated or chronic ear infections Bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear Recurrent infections weakening ear tissues Poor ear drainage due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Mastoiditis can occur at any age but is more common in children, as their ear structures are still developing. Common symptoms of mastoiditis Mastoiditis symptoms can appear suddenly and may follow an ear infection that hasn’t fully resolved. Common signs include: Severe, persistent ear pain Swelling or redness behind the ear Ear discharge (sometimes thick or pus-like) Fever and feeling unwell Hearing loss in the affected ear Headache or dizziness In some cases, the ear may appear pushed forward due to swelling behind it. Because mastoiditis can worsen quickly, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice these symptoms. How is mastoiditis diagnosed? A GP or ENT specialist can diagnose mastoiditis by examining the ear and checking for inflammation, swelling, or discharge. Tests may include: Otoscopy: Looking inside the ear to assess infection Hearing test (audiogram): Checking if hearing has been affected CT scan: To confirm if the infection has spread to the mastoid bone Blood tests: To detect signs of infection Early diagnosis allows for quicker treatment and prevents complications. Treatment for mastoiditis Treatment aims to remove the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent further spread. Depending on the severity, this may involve: Antibiotics: Usually given intravenously (via a drip) to control the infection Ear drainage: A small procedure to remove infected fluid or pus Surgery (mastoidectomy): In more serious cases, part of the infected bone may be removed to stop the infection from spreading With prompt treatment, most people recover fully and experience no long-term hearing damage. Preventing mastoiditis The best way to prevent mastoiditis is by treating ear infections early and avoiding irritation to the ear canal. Simple steps include: Seek medical advice for any ear infection that lasts more than a few days Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds into your ears Keep ears dry and clean, especially after swimming Attend regular ear health checks to monitor your ear condition if you’re prone to infections By managing ear health proactively, you can reduce the risk of complications like mastoiditis. How Leightons can help At Leightons, we provide ear health checks and free hearing assessments to help identify infections early and support your recovery after treatment. Our audiologists can: Examine your ears safely for signs of infection or inflammation Carry out hearing tests to check for any hearing changes Refer you to an ENT specialist for medical treatment if necessary Offer aftercare and follow-up checks to monitor your ear health after recovery We’re here to help you understand your symptoms, protect your hearing, and feel confident in your ear health. Book your free hearing assessment today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier hearing.
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