Middle Ear Infections Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The most common ear infections are middle ear infections (otitis media). The middle ear is located behind the eardrum and connected to the throat by the Eustachian tube. Bacteria may therefore travel to the middle ear from the throat when infections occur there, or they may also enter through a perforation in the eardrum. The eardrum may be perforated, or ruptured, by shattering blasts or sharp objects, as well as by infection. Very loud noises, a change in pressure (such as when flying), and violent sneezing while suffering an ear infection may also, in some cases, cause perforation.

Young children, with shorter and straighter Eustachian tubes than adults, are especially prone to middle ear infections. The tendency is also apparently inherited. Chronic infections may also be associated with allergies, tuberculosis, measles, and other diseases.

Symptoms 
• intense pain
• fever
• in severe cases pressure in the middle ear builds up to such an extent that the eardrum perforates in order to release the discharge, this may lead to external ear infection and a degree of temporary or permanent hearing loss

CAUTION
Always consult your physician if the ear drum “bursts” or perforates, as it can lead to serious complications, including deafness and, in some cases, meningitis.

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda 
Purified and concentrated extracts of garlic might be used to control and treat infection. Panchakarma would be appropriate. 

Traditional Home and Folk Remedies 
Peel the skin from a bud of garlic, and cut to fit the outside of the ear canal. Wrap in a piece of gauze, heat gently, and insert into the canal.

Herbalism
Mullein oil is a traditional herbal treatment. Place a few drops on a cotton ball and gently place in the ear canal. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbs include chamomile, echinacea, golden rod, and golden seal, and they can be taken internally or infused and dropped into the ear canal. Steep yarrow and pour the warm liquid into the ear canal to soothe and reduce infection.

Aromatherapy 
Massage a blend of anti-infectious oils around the ear and down the neck. Suitable oils include lavender, chamomile, and tea tree. Mix a drop of clove oil in a little grapeseed carrier oil and massage around the neck and ear.

Homeopathy 
Chronic ear infections should be treated constitutionally. Acute attacks may respond to the following, taken every half-hour for up to 10 doses. Hep. sulf. may be useful for infection accompanied by sharp pain. Belladonna, for a throbbing earache with redness around the ear, accompanied by fever. Aconite, for an attack which comes on suddenly, particularly after exposure to cold. Pulsatilla, when there is pain, as if the eardrum is being pushed out.