What is an ear infection?

What is an ear infection?

Jason Hamilton (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) gives expert video advice on: What is an ear infection?; What ear infection symptoms do children and teens experience?; What activities should I avoid if I have an ear infection? and more...

An ear infection can be in any three parts of the ear. It can be in the outer ear, the middle ear or the inner ear. An outer ear infection would be like a swimmer's ear, where it's very painful, red and swollen, and there may be fluid coming from the ear. Middle ear infection is when Otitis Media bacteria get behind the ear drum and cause inflammation and pain. An inner ear infection can be caused by a virus that infects the brain itself, like Encephalitis, or is isolated to the inner ear, most commonly giving symptoms of hearing loss or dizziness.