Eardrum Infections Treatment in Singapore

An eardrum infection, or otitis media, occurs when the middle ear space behind the eardrum becomes infected and inflamed at our ENT clinic.

This condition affects the air-filled cavity that houses tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound waves, leading to pain, hearing difficulties, and potential complications if left untreated. The infection typically results in fluid build-up that places pressure on the eardrum, causing discomfort and temporary hearing changes.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

Symptoms Causes Types Diagnosis Treatment Prevention FAQ

Symptoms of Eardrum Infections

The following signs and symptoms may indicate the need for eardrum infection treatment in Singapore.

Ear Pain: Sharp or dull pain in one or both ears, often worse when lying down.
Hearing Changes: Temporary muffled hearing or difficulty understanding sounds due to fluid accumulation behind the eardrum.
Drainage: Yellow or white fluid coming from the ear, indicating a possible rupture of the eardrum.
Fever: Body temperature elevation, particularly common in children with ear infections.
Balance Issues: Dizziness or unsteady walking due to the infection affecting the inner ear.
Sleep Disturbances: Increased irritability and difficulty sleeping due to ear discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of eardrum infections. Common causes include:

Upper Respiratory Infections: Colds and sinus infections can spread to the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes.
Allergies: Allergic reactions cause swelling of the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, increasing infection risk.
Anatomical Variations: Shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes in children make them more susceptible to infections.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to secondhand smoke or frequent swimming can increase the likelihood of developing ear infections.

Types of Eardrum Infections

Eardrum infections present in three distinct forms, each with specific characteristics:

Acute Otitis Media: The most common type, featuring sudden onset of symptoms with inflammation and fluid build-up behind the eardrum. The infection typically develops rapidly and causes significant pain. Treatment usually involves a short course of antibiotics.
Otitis Media with Effusion: This type occurs when fluid remains in the middle ear without active infection. The condition may persist for several weeks after an acute infection resolves. Patients often experience mild discomfort and hearing changes.
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A long-term condition characterised by persistent drainage through a perforated eardrum. The infection can last for six weeks or more and may require specialised treatment to prevent complications.

Diagnostic Methods

Otoscope Examination: This diagnostic tool allows direct visualisation of the eardrum. The ENT doctor checks for redness, bulging, or perforation of the eardrum and assesses fluid presence behind it. This examination typically takes a few minutes.
Tympanometry: This test measures eardrum movement and middle ear pressure. The device creates air pressure changes in the ear canal while recording how the eardrum responds. Results help determine if fluid is present behind the eardrum.
Acoustic Reflectometry: A non-invasive test that bounces sound waves off the eardrum to detect fluid in the middle ear. The procedure is particularly useful for young children who might not cooperate with traditional examination methods.

Treatment Options

Treatment approaches vary depending on the type and severity of the infection performing by ENT specialist in Singapore. Ensuring the most effective method is chosen for each situation.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Antibiotics: Prescribed oral medications target bacterial infections in the middle ear. Treatment typically lasts 7-10 days, with improvement expected within 48-72 hours of starting the medication.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce discomfort and fever. These medications can be particularly helpful during the first few days of infection.
Ear Drops: Medicated drops may be prescribed to reduce pain or treat infection in cases with drainage. They work directly in the ear canal to provide relief.

Surgical Treatment

Myringotomy: This is a minor surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the eardrum to drain fluid. Tiny tubes are inserted into the eardrum to ensure ongoing drainage and ventilation. These tubes usually stay in place for 6 to 12 months before falling out naturally.
Tympanoplasty: This is a surgical procedure used to repair a perforated eardrum, which is usually required when chronic infections cause structural damage. Full recovery from the procedure generally takes several weeks.

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Prevention and Management

Regular hand washing and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke reduce infection risk. Breastfeeding infants provides antibodies that help prevent ear infections. During upper respiratory infections, gentle nose blowing and avoiding sudden pressure changes can help maintain proper Eustachian tube function. Swimming with ear plugs and thoroughly drying ears after water exposure also helps prevent infections.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does hearing loss from an ear infection last?

Temporary hearing changes typically improve as the infection clears and fluid drains from the middle ear. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks, though some cases may require longer recovery periods.

What complications can occur if ear infections are left untreated?

Untreated infections can lead to eardrum perforation, hearing loss, or the spread of infection to surrounding structures. Chronic infections may cause permanent changes to the eardrum or middle ear structures.

Can ear infections lead to tinnitus?

Yes, ear infections that affect the middle ear can cause temporary tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ear), which usually resolves after the infection is treated and inflammation subsides with eardrum infection treatment in Singapore.

Dr Gan Eng Cern

Ear, nose and throat specialist

MBBS

MRCS (Edin)

mmed (orl)

FAMS

With over 15 years of experience, Dr Gan specialises in the comprehensive management of a broad range of conditions related to the ear, nose and throat (ENT), and head and neck.

Dr. Gan has contributed to the academic field as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. He underwent his subspecialty training in Rhinology (Nose & Sinus conditions) and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery at the renowned St Paul’s Sinus Center, part of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He is recognised for his extensive research work, with numerous contributions to reputable international ENT journals. Dr Gan is also highly sought after as a speaker and has shared his surgical knowledge as a surgical dissection teacher at various prominent ENT conferences and courses.

2020 – Reader’s Choice Gold Award for Best ENT Specialist (Expat Living Singapore)
2016 – Best Educator Award (Eastern Health Alliance)
2016 – “Wow” Award (Patient Compliment)

2014 – Eastern Health Alliance Caring Award – Silver
2014 – 19th Yahya Cohen Memorial Lectureship (awarded by the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine Singapore for best scientific surgical paper)
2012 – Human Manpower Development Award (Ministry of Health, Singapore)
2007 – Singhealth Best Doctor Award

Qualifications

MBBS – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)
MRCS (Edin) – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MMed (ORL) – Master of Medicine in ENT (National University of Singapore)
FAMS – Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

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