Our ears look small, but the help it gives us is unimaginable. Did you know that our ears do not rest like how our eyes rest? That is why we wake up when we hear loud sounds and alarms. Without our ears functioning well, life would be hard. However, an issue from this small body part will turn into a big problem. Infection is one of the most typical ear problems. It will ruin your mood and day as it can happen in the outer, middle, or inner. Hence, outer and middle ear problems are mild and recover within 1 or 2 weeks. But the situation in the inner ear is more dangerous and lasts longer.
Infections are often caused by a virus and, sometimes, bacteria. If infections happen in the eyes, mouth, and skin, it can also occur in the ears. Therefore, these two causes inner ear pain and swelling.
Inner ear infection symptoms include:
1. Problems with balance control
We need balance to work on things well. Not only the bones, muscles, and joints are responsible for it. Blood vessels, nerves, and inner ear also help in balance. We cannot do a proper walk and move without it. The swelling of the inner ear and the blocked fluid can result in loss of balance.
2. Dizziness
With the problem in balance, you’ll feel like moving even when you’re not doing anything. So, an ear infection does not allow you to move well. For instance, it will bother you in doing your chores and office work. Also, you may feel like the room is spinning, even if you are not walking.
3. Vomiting and Nausea
After experiencing dizziness, expect that you’ll want to vomit. Vomiting is our body’s reaction to threats. Everyone with an ear problem can experience these symptoms because of the fluid building up in the ear.
4. Trouble upon hearing
It is not only the fluid build-up that hinders sound from entering the ear. Also, a swollen ear can make it hard for you to hear. Having trouble with hearing is an inner ear infection symptom. Symptoms like this do not last if treated.
5. Loss of hearing
Hearing loss is not only due to aging or exposure to deafening noises. It also occurs in a severe ear infection. It happens in rare cases. As the condition lasts, it damages the cell in the inner ear, and it will no longer be able to send sounds to your brain. Some people with hearing loss use hearing aids to help them hear sounds.
6. Ear discharge
It is usual for ears to produce earwax. But ear infections and other conditions cause fluids to come out of the ears. They are either ear wax, blood, or yellowish liquid.
7. Ear pain
Infection in the ear causes pain. Adults can say if their ears hurt. But babies and infants might not know or say that their small earaches. Inner ear pain might be the reason why a kid cannot sleep. If children cry after having their ears touched, it might be an inner ear infection symptom. Another example is when they cry as they lie on their side because of pain in the ears. Like adults, kids will also touch or pull their ears more than usual.
8. Buzzing sound in the ear
If you ever feel like something is ringing in your ear, you might have an ear problem. Aside from ringing, you can also hear whistling, hissing, or even roaring sounds.
9. Fever
Ear infection does not always come with a fever. But in some cases, it accompanies the infection. Fevers help our body to fight off the infection. It tries to kill the virus or bacteria, causing the problem. With the high temperature, it becomes hard for the virus and bacteria to live.
With all these inner ear infection symptoms, you’ll lose appetite and feel sick. It is best to seek medical help. Doctors treat this infection with antibiotics. Such drugs reduce bacteria. As a result, swelling will lessen, and the fluid will drain.
Let us not be selective in choosing what to take care of our bodies. Every part of it has a specific role and a job to do. If you want to continue appreciating music or a loved ones’ voice, take care of your ear.
