Myringitis: What is it?

Q: Chronic myringitis

Chronic myringitis develops as a result of recurrent ear canal infections. Without proper treatment, this condition can persist for several months, causing prolonged discomfort and potential complications.

Q: Bullous myringitis

Bullous myringitis is a contagious and acute inflammation often linked to flu. It appears as blisters or vesicles on the eardrum. Timely medical attention is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Taking preventive measures to avoid spreading the infection is essential.

Q: Granular myringitis

Granular myringitis is characterized by the discharge of secretions from the ear, known as otorrhea. Typically, this condition is painless and can last for over a month. It often occurs as a result of an outer ear disease that spreads to the tympanic membrane, where granular tissue forms.

Q: Viral myringitis

Viral myringitis, also known as viral otitis media, is a distinctive form of myringitis triggered by viral pathogens, commonly attributed to viruses such as the flu virus. The inflammation associated with this condition occurs abruptly and independently, causing discomfort and distress. One of the main tell-tale signs of viral myringitis is the severe pain experienced by individuals afflicted with this condition, primarily originating from the affected ear.

Q: Bacterial myringitis

Myringitis can develop as a consequence of pathogenic bacteria infiltrating the delicate tissues of the tympanic membrane. The presence of pathogenic bacteria within the ear can be due to various factors, such as poor ear hygiene, foreign objects lodged in the ear, or previous upper respiratory infections that have spread to the ear. This condition can cause discomfort and pain in the affected ear, affecting the person's overall quality of life.

Myringitis as inflammation of the eardrum

Myringitis refers to the inflammation of the eardrum, presenting with the formation of blisters and persistent, unexpected earaches. This condition may occasionally lead to hearing impairment and fever.

Test your hearing online

Myringitis and ear pain

Myringitis, a condition marked by inflammation of the eardrum, manifests primarily through intense ear pain, which can be a source of significant discomfort. Myringitis can result from various factors, such as viral or bacterial infections, which can affect the middle ear and lead to the development of blisters on the eardrum. Depending on the cause, medical interventions may include antibiotics for bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral cases. With proper and timely treatment, myringitis can often be resolved within a few days.

What are the symptoms of the myringitis?

Myringitis presents several key symptoms. These symptoms include hearing loss or muffled hearing, where sounds may become unclear or difficult to hear. Patients also experience intense pain in the ear, which can be quite uncomfortable. Another sign is bleeding from the ear, which may occur in some cases. Additionally, myringitis can lead to fever, with viral forms causing mild elevations and bacterial forms resulting in higher fevers. Lastly, patients may report itching or a ringing sensation in the ear, known as tinnitus.

Different types of myringitis

There are different types of myringitis, each characterized by unique features that allow healthcare professionals to differentiate and diagnose them accurately. These types can vary based on their origin, intensity, duration, and the specific way they manifest in the affected individual.

Acute myringitis

Acute myringitis, also known as mycomyringitis, is a condition that appears suddenly and is often linked to otitis media or otitis externa. This condition typically lasts between 24 to 48 hours and can result in intense, severe pain.

Chronic myringitis

Chronic myringitis develops as a result of recurrent ear canal infections. Without proper treatment, this condition can persist for several months, causing prolonged discomfort and potential complications.

Bullous myringitis

Bullous myringitis is a contagious and acute inflammation often linked to flu. It appears as blisters or vesicles on the eardrum. Timely medical attention is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Taking preventive measures to avoid spreading the infection is essential.

Granular myringitis

Granular myringitis is characterized by the discharge of secretions from the ear, known as otorrhea. Typically, this condition is painless and can last for over a month. It often occurs as a result of an outer ear disease that spreads to the tympanic membrane, where granular tissue forms.

Viral myringitis

Viral myringitis, also known as viral otitis media, is a distinctive form of myringitis triggered by viral pathogens, commonly attributed to viruses such as the flu virus. The inflammation associated with this condition occurs abruptly and independently, causing discomfort and distress. One of the main tell-tale signs of viral myringitis is the severe pain experienced by individuals afflicted with this condition, primarily originating from the affected ear.

Bacterial myringitis

Myringitis can develop as a consequence of pathogenic bacteria infiltrating the delicate tissues of the tympanic membrane. The presence of pathogenic bacteria within the ear can be due to various factors, such as poor ear hygiene, foreign objects lodged in the ear, or previous upper respiratory infections that have spread to the ear. This condition can cause discomfort and pain in the affected ear, affecting the person's overall quality of life.

What is the most common cause of myringitis?

Several factors contribute to its development, including otitis media, trauma, improper ear cleaning, mycetes (fungal infections), and the penetration of foreign bodies. Additionally, myringitis can arise as a consequence of an upper airway infection.

How is myringitis diagnosed?

To diagnose myringitis, a thorough otolaryngological examination is conducted, involving an analysis of the patient's symptoms and a careful inspection of the ear using an otoscope. During this examination, the healthcare provider carefully looks for the presence of vesicles or other lesions on the eardrum, which aids in accurately identifying the condition. Additionally, during this examination, the doctor will check for otitis media, a condition that affects the area behind the eardrum and distinguishes it from myringitis.

How do you treat myringitis in the ear?

The approach to treating myringitis varies depending on its type and typically involves a combination of antibiotics and painkillers to address the underlying cause and alleviate discomfort.

Does myringitis affect children?

Myringitis is a common hearing condition in children, particularly during their developmental stages when their ear structures are not fully matured. This condition is contagious and precautions should be taken to avoid contact between the children affected.

An Amplifon audiologist take a hearing test to a woman

Have your hearing tested

The best way to treat hearing loss is through prevention. Make an appointment at one of our Amplifon clinics to have your hearing health checked. You will learn more about our hearing solutions and different types of hearing aids.

Book an appointment online

Get support and advice

Request an appointment

Book now

Take an online hearing test

Take the test

Find a clinic near you

Find a clinic