An infected eardrum (bullous myringitis) is commonly linked with recurrent infection of the inner ear. This condition develops in some cases of otitis media. The symptoms are strikingly similar to otitis media which is the most common diagnosis given to children after visiting a doctor.
Depending on the exact cause of the infected eardrum, it might require treatment for the condition sot that it can fully subside. If the infected eardrum is not treated early, it might lead to the development of complications that are harder to treat.
Ear pain
It is important to note that ear pain is a common indication of an eardrum infection among adolescents and older children. Among infants and toddlers below 2 years old, this symptom might not be common. The children do not feel pain but parents can observe the characteristic action of tugging on the affected ear.
Hearing loss
Individuals who have an infected eardrum and middle ear can suffer from loss of hearing. This develops once the area behind the eardrum becomes congested with the build-up of secretions generated by the middle ear. Pressure is placed on the eardrum which causes it to bulge that allows the doctor to come up with a diagnosis of an ear infection.
The fluid that accumulated has no way to leave the middle ear which results to hearing loss that is quite similar to that produced by using earplugs in the ears. Until the fluid is drained out from the ear, the hearing loss experienced by the individual will surely continue.
Dizziness or vertigo
When it comes to vertigo, it is described as a sensation of spinning or the area surrounding the individual appears to spin or whirl around. Take note that vertigo can also indicate a sensation of dizziness, but it is important to note that dizziness is more than just a generalized term to indicate lightheadedness, imbalance and unsteadiness.
The exact reason for this symptom of an infected eardrum is still unclear. One possible reason for the connection between dizziness and an infected middle ear is that the inner ear which is involved in steadiness and balance is also affected by the infection. Remember that the middle ear and inner ear are close to each other anatomically, thus is it possible that the inner ear can end up impacted by infection within the middle ear.
Once an individual has any indications of an infected eardrum, it is best to set an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible so that proper assessment can be carried out. In doing so, the appropriate treatment can be started to prevent the condition from getting worse or any complications from developing.