Can Adults Get Ear Infections?

March 4, 2023

If you have children, you probably know all about ear infections! Middle ear infections are one of the most common forms of illness in children. They are so common, in fact, that most children have at least one before they turn 3.

While it is true that ear infections are more common in children than adults, it is still possible to experience one as you age. Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains what symptoms indicate ear infections in adults below, so check it out.

Are Ear Infections Contagious?

Ear infections by themselves are not contagious, but if a cold or other viral or bacterial illness contributed to your ear infection, that illness definitely is. When you have an ear infection, the virus or bacteria has made its way into your ear and is causing pain, irritation and discomfort by pressing on your eardrum.

As fluid builds up around your ear, the pain and pressure can either be dull and throbbing or sharp, stabbing pain. This pain may be your only symptom, or it could be one of many symptoms you experience when you are feeling ill.

Additional Ear Infection Symptoms

Pain inside ear
Fever
Discharge coming from ear
Feeling pressure in your ear
Difficulty hearing

Can Ear Infections Cause Vertigo?

If you are an adult and are experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, your balance may very well become a problem. Since our inner ears play such a vital role in maintaining your internal balance, any sort of irritation or inflammation can result in dizziness, vertigo and nausea. You may feel pretty sick for a few days, but ear infections often go away on their own without further treatment.

You can always come see us if your pain isn’t going away or is getting worse! We can perform a full evaluation and check in your ear to look for fluid or pus buildup. If we determine that your infection is bacterial in nature, we can prescribe a round of antibiotics to help clear it up faster.