Skip to content. Otitis media is another name for a middle ear infection. It means an infection behind your eardrum. This kind of ear infection can happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear. These conditions include allergies, a cold, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.

Back to Health A to Z. Ear infections are very common, particularly in children. You do not always need to see a GP for an ear infection as they often get better on their own within 3 days. Find out about using the NHS during coronavirus. Some otoscopes blow a small puff of air into the ear.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Ear infections may be more common in children than in adults, but grown-ups are still susceptible to these infections. Unlike childhood ear infections, which are often minor and pass quickly, adult ear infections are frequently signs of a more serious health problem. There are three main types of ear infections.

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the health care provider. The most common type of ear infection is called otitis media. It is caused by swelling and infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum.