13/11/2025
Ear Infections in Adults: What’s Different?
Not just “kids’ problems” — causes, symptoms and care look different in adults.
Outer vs middle ear 🏷️
Adults often get otitis externa (canal skin inflamed): pain on moving the ear, itch, discharge.
Middle ear issues feel like deep pressure, muffled hearing, often after a cold.
Adult risk factors ⚠️
Recent colds, allergic rhinitis, smoke exposure, earbuds/hearing aids rubbing, water in the ear, eczema/psoriasis, diabetes or lowered immunity.
Slide 4 — Smart self-care ✅
Pain relief if suitable, keep the canal dry, pause in-ear devices on the sore side, clean moulds/domes before reuse, gentle swallow/yawn to equalise after colds.
Don’ts 🚫
No cotton buds or ear candles. Don’t start old ear drops if you don’t know the eardrum status. Avoid forceful, repeated Valsalva. No swimming with painful discharge.
When to book / red flags 🩺
Still sore or blocked >48 hours, hearing stays dull, or you’re unsure? Book a review.
Urgent: spreading redness/swelling, mastoid tenderness, high fever, foul discharge, dizziness, or facial weakness.
You can read the full article at: https://audiocare.pt/ear-infections-in-adults-whats-different-from-children/
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