Ear Infections in Grand Rapids, MI

Ear infections are very common in West Michigan, especially in children and during cold and flu season. Understanding the different types of ear infections, symptoms, and treatment options can help Grand Rapids families know when to seek care from local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

How the Ear Works

The ear has three main parts:

• Outer ear – the visible part of the ear and the ear canal leading to the eardrum
• Middle ear – the space behind the eardrum that contains three tiny bones that amplify sound
• Inner ear – contains the hearing organ (cochlea) and the balance organs (vestibular system), which send electrical signals to the brain

Any of these parts can become infected by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Children in Grand Rapids, like elsewhere in Michigan, are especially prone to middle ear infections (otitis media). It’s estimated that about 4 out of 5 children will have at least one middle ear infection.

The Eustachian Tube and Ear Infections

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Its jobs are to:

• Equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum
• Drain fluid and secretions from the middle ear into the throat
• Help prevent germs from traveling from the nose and throat into the ear

The tube usually stays closed and briefly opens when we swallow, yawn, or chew, allowing air in and fluid out.

In Grand Rapids, seasonal colds, flu, allergies, and sinus infections—especially during our long, cold winters—can cause swelling and block the Eustachian tube. When this happens:

• Fluid and germs can build up in the middle ear
• Pressure increases, causing pain
• Mild hearing loss or muffled hearing can occur
• The risk of a ruptured eardrum increases

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Factors that can increase the risk of an ear infection include:

• Upper respiratory infections (colds, flu, sinus infections) – common in Michigan winters
• Sudden changes in air pressure (e.g., airline travel, driving through changing elevations)
• Smaller or blocked Eustachian tubes – especially in babies and young children
• Cleft palate
• Young age – babies and children are more prone
• Swimming in polluted or untreated water (including some inland lakes and rivers)
• Not drying the outer ear properly after swimming or bathing
• Overzealous ear cleaning or using cotton swabs, which can scratch the ear canal and push wax deeper

Symptoms of Ear Infections

Symptoms vary depending on the type of ear infection, but may include:

• Earache or pain
• Mild deafness or muffled hearing
• Ear discharge (clear, cloudy, or pus-like)
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite (especially in young children)
• Itchiness of the outer ear
• Blisters on the outer ear or in the ear canal
• Noises in the ear (buzzing, humming, ringing)
• Vertigo (a spinning sensation) or loss of balance

If you or your child in Grand Rapids experiences severe pain, high fever, sudden hearing loss, or intense dizziness, seek urgent evaluation through your primary care doctor, urgent care, or local emergency department.

Types of Ear Infections

1. Otitis Externa (“Swimmer’s Ear”)

Otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal between the outer ear and the eardrum.

Causes:

• Exposure to dirty or contaminated water (lakes, rivers, poorly maintained pools)
• Mechanical damage to the ear canal from over-cleaning, cotton swabs, or earbuds
• Bacterial or fungal infection

Common in Grand Rapids when:

• Kids and adults swim frequently in local lakes or pools in summer
• Ears are not dried well after swimming or showering

Symptoms:

• Ear pain, often worse when pulling on the outer ear
• Itching in the ear canal
• Swelling or redness of the ear canal
• Clear or pus-like discharge
• Reduced or muffled hearing

Treatment options for otitis externa:

• Keeping ears dry while healing (avoid swimming until cleared)
• Professional cleaning of the ear canal (by a healthcare provider)
• Antibiotic eardrops with steroids if bacterial
• Antifungal eardrops with steroids if fungal
• Oral antibiotics in more severe cases
• Pain-relieving medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as recommended)

Syringing or flushing the ear should usually be avoided unless done by a professional.

2. Acute and Chronic Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. It can be:

• Acute – sudden onset, usually after a cold
• Chronic – long-lasting or recurring infections

Children in Grand Rapids are especially affected because:

• They get frequent colds and upper respiratory infections
• Their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more easily blocked

Most acute otitis media is caused by viruses, but bacteria can also be involved.

Symptoms:

• Ear pain (often severe)
• Fever
• Irritability, poor sleep, or increased crying in young children
• Pulling or tugging at the ear
• Decreased hearing or muffled sounds
• Sometimes pus draining from the ear if the eardrum bursts

In many cases, if the eardrum ruptures, pus will drain and pain may decrease. The eardrum often heals on its own, but it must be monitored.

Treatment options for acute otitis media:

• Pain-relieving medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Observation for mild cases (especially if viral is suspected)
• Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is likely or symptoms are severe or persistent
• In some cases, cleaning the ear and using topical antibiotic drops
• Follow-up to ensure the infection clears and hearing returns to normal

Chronic Otitis Media

Frequent acute infections or one lingering infection can lead to chronic otitis media.

Without treatment, chronic infection can:

• Burst the eardrum
• Damage the tiny bones and structures of the middle ear
• Cause permanent (sensorineural) hearing loss
• Lead to labyrinthitis (infection of the inner ear balance organs)
• Rarely cause meningitis or facial paralysis

Treatment options for chronic otitis media:

• Thorough cleaning of the ear by a specialist
• Topical antibiotic drops (with or without steroids)
• Oral antibiotics or other medications to treat infection
• Surgical repair of a perforated eardrum if needed
• Prevention strategies, such as managing allergies, avoiding smoke exposure, and treating nasal congestion early

In Grand Rapids, children with frequent ear infections may be referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

3. Serous Otitis Media (“Glue Ear”)

Serous otitis media, often called glue ear, is a condition where thick fluid builds up behind the eardrum without active infection.

• Most common in children 6 months to 2 years old
• Often develops after a middle ear infection
• Can cause hearing problems, which may affect speech and learning if persistent

Symptoms:

• Muffled hearing
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• No or minimal pain
• Possible balance issues

Treatment options for glue ear:

• Observation, as some cases clear on their own
• Antibiotics in selected cases
• Treating underlying allergies or nasal congestion
• If persistent or recurrent, surgery to insert small drainage tubes (grommets) to ventilate the middle ear

Local pediatric ENT services in Grand Rapids commonly perform ear tube (grommet) surgery for children with ongoing glue ear.

4. Infectious Myringitis

Infectious myringitis is an inflammation of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) caused by viral or bacterial infection. The eardrum develops small, painful blisters.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, sharp ear pain
• Blisters visible on the eardrum (seen by a doctor)
• Possible fever – if present, a bacterial cause is more likely
• Temporary hearing loss

Treatment options for infectious myringitis:

• Pain-relieving medications
• Antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected
• In some cases, professional rupturing of the blisters to relieve pain and drain fluid

5. Acute Mastoiditis

The mastoid is the bone located just behind the ear. Acute mastoiditis is an infection of this bone, almost always following untreated or severe acute otitis media.

This is a serious condition that requires urgent medical care.

Symptoms:

• Severe ear pain
• Fever
• Red, swollen, and tender skin behind the ear
• Ear sticking out more than usual
• Ear discharge
• Hearing loss

Without treatment, acute mastoiditis can lead to:

• Deafness
• Blood poisoning (sepsis)
• Meningitis
• Facial paralysis

Treatment options for acute mastoiditis:

• Intravenous (IV) antibiotics in the hospital
• Surgical drainage of the infected bone if needed

If you suspect mastoiditis in yourself or your child in Grand Rapids, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

6. Vestibular Neuronitis

The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which helps you keep your balance. It includes:

• Three fluid-filled semicircular canals that detect head rotation
• The utricle and saccule, which detect gravity and linear motion
• The vestibular nerve, which carries balance signals to the brain

Vestibular neuronitis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, most likely due to a viral infection.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, severe vertigo (spinning sensation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), often towards the affected side
• Usually no hearing loss

Treatment options for vestibular neuronitis:

• Medications such as antihistamines and anti-nausea drugs
• Vestibular physiotherapy to help the brain adapt and retrain balance

Grand Rapids residents can access vestibular rehabilitation through local physical therapy clinics and hospital-based rehab programs.

7. Herpes Zoster of the Ear (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome)

Herpes zoster of the ear is caused by the herpes zoster (shingles) virus infecting the auditory and sometimes facial nerves.

Symptoms:

• Ear pain
• Vertigo (spinning)
• Small blisters on the outer ear, ear canal, and sometimes on the face
• Possible hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Weakness or partial paralysis of the facial muscles on one side

This condition needs prompt treatment to reduce the risk of long-term nerve damage.

Treatment options for herpes zoster of the ear:

• Antiviral medications (such as acyclovir)
• Steroids to reduce inflammation and nerve damage
• Pain-relieving medications

Preventing Ear Infections in Grand Rapids

While not all ear infections can be prevented, you can lower your risk:

• Keep up with childhood vaccinations, including flu and pneumococcal vaccines
• Treat colds, allergies, and sinus infections early, especially during Michigan’s winter and spring seasons
• Avoid secondhand smoke, which increases ear infection risk in children
• Dry ears gently after swimming in local lakes, pools, or the Grand River
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or objects into the ear canal
• Use earplugs for frequent swimmers if recommended by your provider
• Manage seasonal allergies, which are common in West Michigan

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Seek medical help if you or your child has:

• Severe ear pain
• Fever with ear symptoms
• Pus or blood draining from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss
• Persistent dizziness or vertigo
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness behind the ear
• Repeated ear infections or ongoing hearing problems

Local options include:

• Your primary care physician or pediatrician
• Urgent care clinics throughout the Grand Rapids metro area
• ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
• Audiologists for hearing tests and evaluation
• Pharmacists for over-the-counter pain relief guidance

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also provide information on vaccinations, childhood health, and local clinics for families without a regular doctor.

Key Points to Remember

• Ear infections are very common in children in Grand Rapids, especially during cold and flu season.
• Symptoms depend on the type of ear infection but may include pain, fever, muffled hearing, discharge, and sometimes vertigo or loss of balance.
• Blocked Eustachian tubes can lead to fluid buildup, infections, mild deafness, and increased risk of a ruptured eardrum.
• Treatment may include keeping ears dry, eardrops, oral or IV antibiotics, pain medications, or surgery (such as ear tubes or mastoid surgery) in more serious cases.
• Early evaluation by a healthcare provider helps prevent complications and protect long-term hearing and balance.

If you’re concerned about ear infections for yourself or your child in Grand Rapids, contact your local healthcare provider or ENT specialist for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.