Why You Might Be Getting Ear Infections as an Adult

Most people think of ear infections as a childhood problem — something you outgrow along with cartoons and booster shots. But adults can (and do) develop them, often for entirely different reasons. 

When you’re juggling work, travel, and everyday life, you might not realize that something as simple as congestion, allergies, or even your daily habits can trigger inflammation in your ears.

At Michigan Avenue ENT, part of Michigan Avenue Primary Care, our experienced team works alongside Dr. Julian Dixon, our double board-certified ENT, to help adults pinpoint the root cause of their ear infections and keep them from returning.

The anatomy of ear infections

Your ear has three main parts — outer, middle, and inner — and infection can occur in any of them. Understanding where the problem starts helps determine the best treatment.

Outer ear

Often called “swimmer’s ear,” this type of infection occurs when moisture gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a warm environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. It can also happen when you clean your ears too aggressively or irritate the delicate skin inside.

Middle ear

This area sits behind your eardrum and connects to your throat via the eustachian tube. When you have a cold, allergies, or sinus congestion, that tube can swell or become blocked, trapping fluid and creating pressure. Bacteria can then multiply, leading to infection.

Inner ear

Inner ear infections are less common but can cause dizziness, balance issues, and hearing changes. They often follow a viral infection and can mimic other vestibular disorders, which is why an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Why adults get ear infections

While kids tend to get ear infections because of their still-developing anatomy, adults usually face different triggers. Some of the most common include:

• Chronic sinus infections or allergies that block drainage
• Smoking or regular exposure to secondhand smoke
• Frequent water exposure (swimming, humid environments)
• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis that affect the ear canal
• Structural changes in the ear or prior surgery that alter airflow and drainage

These factors can make the middle or outer ear more vulnerable to infection — and, in some cases, lead to repeated episodes if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

When to seek our medical care

A mild earache might go away on its own, but persistent or recurring discomfort should never be ignored. Contact us if you experience:

• Ear pain or pressure lasting longer than a couple of days
• Hearing changes or ringing in the ear
• Drainage (especially if it’s yellow or green)
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Pain that worsens after a cold or sinus infection

If your symptoms include high fever, severe pain behind the ear, or facial weakness, you should seek our medical attention right away — those may indicate a more serious infection.

How we treat ear infections in adults

At Michigan Avenue ENT, we start by finding out exactly what’s going on. Dr. Dixon examines your ear canal and eardrum with specialized tools and, when necessary, recommends imaging to look deeper. From there, your treatment depends on the type and cause of the infection.

If bacteria are involved, antibiotic ear drops or oral medications can clear things up quickly. For outer-ear infections, topical drops often do the trick, while middle-ear infections may require oral treatment. When inflammation stems from allergies or sinus congestion, we address those issues first — managing the source of the blockage helps prevent recurrence.

If you have chronic infections or persistent fluid behind the eardrum, we may recommend minor procedures to restore drainage and reduce the risk of future complications. And because prevention matters as much as treatment, we help you create a plan to minimize triggers like moisture, smoke, and untreated sinus problems.

Take care of your ears — and your hearing

Ear infections can interfere with more than comfort — they can affect your hearing and balance.. If you’ve been dealing with recurring ear pain or fullness, don’t wait for it to pass.

Call or request an appointment online with Michigan Avenue ENT and let our ENT team help restore your ear health and prevent future problems.