How long it takes an ear infection to heal in adults?

Ear infection is a common condition with known treatments – antibiotics and painkillers. Although these treatments have a time frame for treating ear infections, ear infection healing time may be different from one person to the other.

If you need more information or you have a question regarding Ear Infection, you can discuss it with our HearingSol healthcare professionals, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.

Ear infections’ healing time varies between individual. The recovery time of ear infection based on the age, anatomy, and surroundings of the patient.

Children may experience pain for several days, while adults may heal faster since their Eustachian tube is wide enough.

Normally, the healing time for middle ear infection may vary from 2 days to 3 days, an outer ear infection can last to 2 weeks and inner ear infection can last even up to 2 months until full recovery.

Healing time in different sections of the ear

The infections persist in the middle, the outer and inner part of the ear. Every part has its unique features. As a result healing time also depends on the section of the ear.

• Outer – Causes of outer ear infection are different from a middle ear infection. The most common type of infection in the outer ear is bacterial infections. But fungal and viral infections can occur as well. It can last for a week or longer. Its symptoms are severe pain in the ear, purulent discharge, fever, etc.
• Middle – The infection shouldn’t last more than one or two days. After an ear infection clears up, fluid may remain in the middle ear and cause some of the more mild symptoms and can persist for several weeks to months. This condition is diagnosed as otitis media with effusion. Its symptoms are ear pain, feeling like your ear is clogged, Nausea, Reduced Hearing.
• Inner – The infection exists for a long time in this section. Most commonly, viral is the reason for the inner ear infection. These viruses can be most of the flu and cold. Its symptoms are pain, fever, and reduced hearing. Nausea and tinnitus can also occur in an inner ear infection.

The Eustachian tube drains fluid and air from the middle ear. Blockage in the Eustachian tube may cause fluid to build up. This causes pain since it applies pressure on the eardrum. The fluid is also a fertile ground for bacteria growth and this leads to an ear infection.

Signs of ear infection

The signs of ear infection are

• A red eardrum or a bulging eardrum with fluid behind it
• Thick pus in any part of the ear
• Inflammation of the middle ear

Causes of ear infections involve:

• Allergies
• Colds and sinus infections
• Excess fluids produced during teething
• Infected or overgrown adenoids
• Tobacco smoke or other irritants

Treatment

Antibiotics treat middle ear infections the pain and the bacteria. In most cases, treating the pain and resting is enough as the body heals itself. Antibiotics should have an effect within 48 to 72 hours, but the infection healing time may be longer than that. For this reason, it is important to finish the full course of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.

Prevention of ear infections

• Washing hands frequently.
• Breastfeed
• Avoiding smoking.
• Ensure immunizations are still active.
• Avoid overusing antibiotics.
• Do not touch the infected part
• Go for a medical checkup as soon as possible

If you need more information or you have a question regarding Ear Infection, you can discuss it with our HearingSol healthcare professionals, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.

Read More :

• About ear infections in children.