General idea
Ear infections may be more common in children than in adults, but grown-ups are still liable to these infections. Unlike childhood ear infections, which are often minor and pass quickly, adult ear infections are repeated signs of a more serious health problem.
Outlook
Proper treatment for your ear infection should eradicate any complications. 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 suppose that you may have an ear infection, have it checked out by our doctor.
Causes
Ear infections are frequently caused by bacterial infections. But whether you get an outer or middle ear infection depends on how you become infected.
Prevention
- Make sure you dry your ears completely after taking a shower or swimming. Keep your ears clean by washing them and using a cotton swab carefully
- Don?t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke as much as you can.
- Wash your hands thoroughly, and try to avoid people who have colds or other upper respiratory problems.
- Manage your allergies by avoiding triggers and keeping up with allergy medications.
- Make sure your vaccines are up to date.
