Can an untreated ear infection cause damage?
Due to swelling and/or fluid buildup, ear infections often cause mild hearing loss, however it usually clears up along with the infection. Extensive fluid in the middle ear due to chronic ear infections, however, can lead to more severe damage to the eardrum, resulting in a more permanent hearing impairment.
What can happen if you leave an ear infection untreated?
Ear infections need to be treated. If left untreated, they can lead to unnecessary pain and permanent hearing loss for your child. Ear infections usually go away in a few days. Your doctor will likely treat your child’s pain and fever with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or eardrops.
What happens if you let an ear infection go too long?
If you let an ear infection go too long without treatment, you risk permanent hearing loss and possibly having the infection spread to other parts of your head. If you suspect that you may have an ear infection, have it checked out by our doctor.
What problems can an ear infection cause?
Most ear infections don’t cause long-term problems, but when they do happen, complications can include: Loss of hearing: Some mild, temporary hearing loss (muffling/distortion of sound) usually occurs during an ear infection.
What happens if you get an ear infection again?
Ear infections that happen again and again can lead to serious complications: Impaired hearing. Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is fairly common with an ear infection, but it usually gets better after the infection clears. Ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear,…
What are the dangers of an untreated middle ear infection?
Dangers of Untreated Middle Ear Infections in Children Common Complications of Otitis Media Inner ear inflammation and damage Paralysis of the face muscles Infection of the back of the skull Abnormal growth in the middle ear Brain and spinal cord lining infection Abscess in the brain and skull spaces
Can a child have an ear infection with no symptoms?
A child with OME may have no symptoms, but a doctor will be able to see the fluid behind the eardrum with a special instrument. Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) happens when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time or returns over and over again, even though there is no infection.
Are there any dangers of untreated otitis media?
Here are some of the potential dangers of otitis media. These complications tend to arise in severe cases but it is often a consequence of untreated otitis media. Remember that if otitis media is severe, persistent or recurrent then it should be managed by an ear,…
What happens if an ear infection is left untreated?
Ear infections, if left untreated may cause several complications such as meningitis, chronic and recurrent infection, formation of cysts, enlarged adenoid glands, spread of infection to brain tissues, delayed speech, and hearing loss. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment will prevent further complications.
Which antibiotic is best for an ear infection?
Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to get rid of ear infections.
What are signs that you have an ear infection?
Some of the common signs for an ear infection are pain in the ear, tugging at the ear, difficulty sleeping, headache, poor response to sounds, high fever, fluid draining from the ear, vomiting and diarrhea. The ear is made up of three parts: outer, middle and inner.
What can I take for pain because of an ear infection?
Treating middle ear infections. You may be prescribed antibiotics. Some antibiotics may be taken orally. Others can be applied directly to the site of the infection with ear drops. Medications for pain, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used to manage your symptoms.