Ear infections in adults can cause pain, fullness, redness, swelling, and bad odor in the ear. Other symptoms include hearing loss, dizziness, vomiting, fever, and ear discharge. Fluid buildup and pressure imbalances in the ear are the main causes of these symptoms.
The most common symptoms of ear infection in adults are caused by fluid and pressure buildup inside the ear. Pain, a red, swollen ear canal, and a foul odor emanating from the ear are all very common symptoms. Hearing loss, popping or ringing in the ear, dizziness, vomiting, fever, and ear discharge are also common symptoms of an adult ear infection.
Ear pain is the most common symptom of an ear infection. Pain caused by an ear infection can range from mild to severe. The discomfort worsens with jaw or earlobe movement if you have an outer ear infection. The pain is most often caused by a pressure imbalance in the ear due to fluid buildup. If the eardrum has been damaged, this can also cause significant pain.
Fullness in the ear is another common symptom of an ear infection. Fullness is caused by fluid buildup inside the ear. It might seem that tilting your head is supposed to drain the fluid, but unfortunately the reason fluid is building up is because the drainage system has become blocked. Fluid builds up naturally in the ears, and a cold or allergies usually cause increased fluid production. Any infection or disease affecting the sinuses can spread to the ear and block the Eustachian tubes, which are the only method of ear drainage.
An ear infection can also cause the ear canal to become red and swollen and smell bad. The redness and swelling are a healthy immune system response to the infection. Bad odor is caused by the buildup of fluids and bacteria inside the ear. A doctor will likely be the one to notice this symptom.
Hearing loss, popping, or ringing in the ear usually accompanies an adult ear infection. This is caused by the ear trying to regulate pressure. It can also be a sign that the eardrum has ruptured or been damaged. The eardrum is a layer of skin in the middle ear that vibrates with sound waves. It is the part of the body that is responsible for hearing. When the eardrum is damaged, temporary hearing loss can occur. A ruptured eardrum is usually very painful.
Dizziness, loss of appetite or vomiting are symptoms of an ear infection in adults. Small bones in the inner ear are responsible for maintaining balance or equilibrium. An ear infection, especially otitis media, can affect those bones and lead to a loss of balance. This can cause dizziness, loss of appetite and even vomiting.
Fever may or may not be present with an adult ear infection. A fever indicates that the body is overheating. When an infection occurs anywhere in the body, it triggers an immune system response, which often drains the body of energy. Body temperature above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) indicates fever. Chills and sometimes hallucinations may occur due to the fever.
An ear infection in an adult can also produce pus and fluid that oozes out of the ears. Thick, yellow, or bloody drainage usually means the eardrum has ruptured or been damaged. This drainage is a clear sign that an infection is present. It usually occurs in cases of otitis media with effusion. This distinction means that there is a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum. If the eardrum is damaged, this fluid can drain. When blood is present, it is typically from the torn skin of the eardrum.
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