What is Myringitis?
Myringitis is a type of ear infection. It is a type of acute otitis media. Myringitis may be caused by a variety of bacteria or viruses.
What is Myringitis?
Myringitis is an ear infection, commonly caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can be an acute condition (short-lasting), or chronic (longer-lasting). It causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form on the eardrum. These blisters are usually very painful.
Myringitis is most commonly seen in children, but adults may also experience it.
Symptoms of Myringitis
The symptoms of myringitis are similar to other forms of ear infections. The most common symptoms include:
Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of myringitis. The pain can be severe and will often come on suddenly. Pain will often last from 24 – 48 hours.
Hearing Loss
Myringitis can cause hearing loss in the infected ear. This type of hearing loss is known as conductive hearing loss. When the infection clears, normal hearing generally returns.
Fluid Draining
Another symptom of Myringitis is fluid draining from the affected ear. This is usually the result of one of the blisters bursting.
Other symptoms of Myringitis can include:
- Fever
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
Causes of Myringitis
Myringitis can be caused by a virus or a bacteria. It is caused by the same viruses and bacteria that can cause other ear infections. The same viruses and bacteria can also cause illnesses such as strep throat, the common cold, and the flu.
The most common cause of myringitis is a bacteria known as mycoplasma.
Diagnosing Myringitis
A diagnosis of myringitis will involve a visit to your primary healthcare physician. They will carry out an examination of your ear to see if there are visible blisters on the eardrum.
Treating Myringitis
Myringitis can generally be treated with a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate some of the pain. Your physician may opt to prescribe these in pill forms. In some cases, they may also prescribe ear drops.
Generally, the symptoms of myringitis, including hearing loss, clear up after treatment.
Trust the Experts at Anderson Audiology
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, please don’t hesitate to contact the hearing healthcare specialists at Anderson Audiology. Call the team today on 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.