Ear infections can occur at any age but are more common in babies and children. Typical symptoms include earache and feeling unwell and treatments include painkillers and antibiotics.
The ear is made up of three parts. The outer ear is the external part of the ear that you can see and includes the canal that leads to the eardrum. The middle ear lies behind the eardrum and contains three small bones that move in response to sound. The inner ear is where sounds are translated into electrical pulses that are sent to the brain.
Any of these areas can become infected due to bacteria, fungi or viruses. The most common ear infection is called 'otitis media' which is the inflammation and infection of the middle ear. This comes on suddenly and usually passes within about four days.