Infections of the ear are common. Otitis is a term for 3 inflammation or infection of the ear. Infections of the outer ear are called otitis externa. Infections of the middle ear are called otitis media.

In otitis externa, there is inflammation of the outer ear canal, which may be caused by allergy or infection. It is often a result of getting water and/or soap in the ear, and is more common in swimmers. Symptoms include redness, itching, pain and swelling. It usually affects one ear.

Otitis media is when there is swelling and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. It often occurs after a cold, as a build up of mucus can block the Eustachian tube. It is very common in children, who have smaller Eustachian tubes than adults. Symptoms include throbbing or sharp pain, a fever, dizziness and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Babies or young children may pull at the ear and show signs of irritability and restlessness at night.

Customers with ear infections may need to be referred to a GP, who can examine their ear with an otoscope, if necessary.

Other conditions

Customers may be affected by tinnitus, perforated eardrum and glue ear. Tinnitus is where a noise is heard in the ear – such as ringing, buzzing or hissing – when there is no external sound. A perforated eardrum is when there is a hole in the eardrum, resulting in symptoms such as sudden hearing loss and pain. Glue ear occurs in childhood, when fluid builds up in the middle ear resulting in hearing loss. It can be treated using grommets, which are tubes that help to drain the fluid away. Refer customers with any symptoms of these conditions to the pharmacist.