Complications from ear infections are now rare thanks to the use of antibiotics. However, they remain a serious concern, and life-threatening complications can sometimes occur. The main complications caused by ear infections are as follows:
- Acute mastoiditis: This condition is characterized by pain and tenderness behind the ear, ear discharge, and fever resulting from an infection affecting the mastoid bone. Systemic antibiotic therapy should be administered first, and once the infection has been brought under control with antibiotics, surgical debridement is required. If left untreated, the condition can progress and lead to more serious complications.
- Subperiosteal abscess: This condition typically occurs when inflammation associated with mastoiditis spreads beyond the ear bone and forms an abscess beneath the periosteum. It requires surgical drainage of the abscess and systemic antibiotic use.
- Facial paralysis: The facial nerve passes through the ear. Therefore, facial paralysis may occur during ear infections.
- Labyrinthitis: This is an infection affecting the inner ear. Patients develop severe dizziness and hearing loss. The hearing loss is usually permanent.
- Lateral sinus thrombosis: This is the thrombosis of the lateral sinus—one of the major veins in the brain—as a result of an ear infection. Patients may experience severe headaches and vision problems due to increased intracranial pressure. Patients may also have a high fever, often described as a “fever with chills.” If left untreated, it can lead to meningitis and brain abscess.
- Meningitis: Meningitis may develop in patients following an ear infection. Meningitis is the inflammation of the brain’s membranes. Patients must be hospitalized and treated immediately. Otherwise, it can be fatal.
- Brain abscess: one of the most feared complications of ear infections. It can still be fatal despite all treatments. The abscess and the site of infection must be surgically debrided.