Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
A double ear infection, also called a bilateral ear infection, is one that affects both ears simultaneously. It most often involves a middle ear infection (otitis media).It is uncommon for an outer ear infection (otitis externaor “swimmer’s ear”) to occur in both ears at once.
The symptoms of a double ear infection are generally worse than a unilateral (one-sided) ear infection. Even so, the treatment is similar whether one or two ears are involved.
This article describes the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a double ear infection and the complications that can occur if the infection is left untreated.
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Double Ear Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of a bilateral ear infection are similar to those of a unilateral ear infection but tend to be worse and harder to treat.
Common symptoms include include:
According to a 2013 study inPediatrics,a double ear infection is more likely to cause high fever and a pus discharge from the ear than a single ear infection. In addition, bleeding and bulging of theeardrumare more common and severe.
Infant and Toddler Symptoms
Infants or toddlers with an ear infection are unable to express what they are feeling like an older child can. If your child isn’t old enough to say “My ear hurts,” you need to be aware of the following signs and symptoms of an ear infection in kids:
Causes of a Double Ear Infection
Ear infections are most common in themiddle ear. This is the part of the ear that contains the hearing bones (ossicles) and a passage called theEustachian tubethat connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and top of the throat. The function of the Eustachian tube is to equalize pressure between the middle and outer ear.
When this happens, the Eustachian tube can swell and trap fluids in the middle ear, providing bacteria in the ear canal the chance to multiply and establish an infection.Allergiesandsinus infectionscan do the same.
Bilateral AOM occurs when the inflammation extends to both Eustachian tubes, usually the result of a severe URTI.
Are Double Ear Infections Contagious?Ear infections are neither contagious nor spread from person to person. While colds and flu can trigger inflammation that leads to an ear infection, they don’t directly infect the ear.Oftentimes, the structure of a person’s ear increases their vulnerability to ear infections—especially children who have shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes.
Are Double Ear Infections Contagious?
Ear infections are neither contagious nor spread from person to person. While colds and flu can trigger inflammation that leads to an ear infection, they don’t directly infect the ear.Oftentimes, the structure of a person’s ear increases their vulnerability to ear infections—especially children who have shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes.
Ear infections are neither contagious nor spread from person to person. While colds and flu can trigger inflammation that leads to an ear infection, they don’t directly infect the ear.
Oftentimes, the structure of a person’s ear increases their vulnerability to ear infections—especially children who have shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes.
How to Treat a Double Ear Infection
Middle ear infections can often resolve on their own without treatment. But when both ears are involved, you are more likely than not to need treatment, if only to ease symptoms.
Medications
To ease ear pain, an over-the-counter painkiller likeTylenol (acetaminophen)orAdvil (ibuprofen)can help. Oral or nasalantihistaminesmay also help ease nasal inflammation and, in turn, reduce swelling of the Eustachian tubes.
To help ease dizziness, over-the-counter antihistamines likeDramamine (dimenhydrinate)and prescription anti-nausea drugs likeCompazine (prochlorperazine)are often recommended.
Home Remedies
Placing a warm compress over your ears is one home remedy that can help ease ear pain. Simply soak a washcloth in warm water and wring it out fully before applying it to your ears.
A saltwater gargle may also help. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water and gargle for a couple of minutes. If your ear infection is related to a sore throat, this can help ease your symptoms.
Home remedies may help ease symptoms but have no effect on the ear infection itself. If both ears are affected, you would be best served to see a healthcare provider rather than to self-treat.
Ear Tubes
Ear tubesare used to improve ventilation and promote ear drainage when the Eustachian tubes are not functioning properly. The tiny tubes (also known astympanostomy tubesormyringotomy tubes) are inserted directly into the eardrums and are usually left there until they fall out on their own.
Ear tubes are most often used in children with repeated, long-lasting ear infections, known aschronic otitis media (COM).While uncommon, bilateral COM is most likely to affect children with structural abnormalities like acleft palateor conditions likechronic tonsillitis.
Since recurrent ear infections can lead to hearing loss, ear tubes may help prevent speech delays and other development problems in young children.
How Long Does a Double Ear Infection Last?With the proper treatment, double ear infections heal fairly quickly. For severe infections, oral antibiotics are typically prescribed three times daily for seven to 10 days.It is important to take the full course of antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance. if you don’t, it may be harder to treat the infection if it returns.
How Long Does a Double Ear Infection Last?
With the proper treatment, double ear infections heal fairly quickly. For severe infections, oral antibiotics are typically prescribed three times daily for seven to 10 days.It is important to take the full course of antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance. if you don’t, it may be harder to treat the infection if it returns.
With the proper treatment, double ear infections heal fairly quickly. For severe infections, oral antibiotics are typically prescribed three times daily for seven to 10 days.
It is important to take the full course of antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance. if you don’t, it may be harder to treat the infection if it returns.
Complications of a Double Ear Infection
Possible severe complications of a double ear infection include:
Although these complications are extremely rare, they can occur and be serious. If you have symptoms of a double ear infection, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible to ensure the appropriate treatment.
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Summary
A double ear infection is more serious than an infection in one ear, but the same treatment can usually clear the infection quite quickly. The infection is more common in the middle ear (otitis media).
Complications from a double ear infection are rare but can be severe. See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a double ear infection to get the right treatment.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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