Ear Infections: FAQ's Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by Cameran Collins, PA-C (November 01, 2018) What are common medical terms for ear health and ear problems? Acute otitis media – common ear infection of the middle ear space Adenoidectomy – surgery to remove the adenoids Analgesic – a pain relief medicine Antibiotic – a medicine that stops the growth of bacteria Audiometer – a device used to measure hearing for pure tones and speech Bacteria – organisms that cause most ear infections, in addition to viruses Chronic otitis media – persistent middle ear inflammation which can damage the eardrum or hearing bones Decibel – the unit of measure for sound intensity Earwax (cerumen) – waxy substance produced in the outer part of the ear canal to protect canal skin Effusion – a collection of fluid that may contain bacteria Myringotomy – an incision made into the eardrum Otitis media without effusion – swelling of the middle ear lining without fluid buildup Otitis media with effusion – fluid in the middle ear without ear infection symptoms Otitis media with perforation – a tear in the ear drum resulting from a middle ear infection Otoscope – a device that helps examine the ear Perforated eardrum – a hole or tear in the eardrum, often caused by an infection Recurrent otitis media – three ear infections in three months, four in six months, six in 12 months Swimmer’s ear – an infection in the outer ear caused by bacteria in trapped water in the ear canal Tinnitus – ringing in the ears (clicking, humming, buzzing) caused by damage to the hearing nerve commonly caused by age and loud noises Tympanostomy tubes – small tube inserted in the eardrum to help drain fluid, mucus and pus Ear Infections: Lifestyle Management Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by Cameran Collins, PA-C (November 01, 2018) What are common medical terms for ear health and ear problems? Acute otitis media – common ear infection of the middle ear space Adenoidectomy – surgery to remove the adenoids Analgesic – a pain relief medicine Antibiotic – a medicine that stops the growth of bacteria Audiometer – a device used to measure hearing for pure tones and speech Bacteria – organisms that cause most ear infections, in addition to viruses Chronic otitis media – persistent middle ear inflammation which can damage the eardrum or hearing bones Decibel – the unit of measure for sound intensity Earwax (cerumen) – waxy substance produced in the outer part of the ear canal to protect canal skin Effusion – a collection of fluid that may contain bacteria Myringotomy – an incision made into the eardrum Otitis media without effusion – swelling of the middle ear lining without fluid buildup Otitis media with effusion – fluid in the middle ear without ear infection symptoms Otitis media with perforation – a tear in the ear drum resulting from a middle ear infection Otoscope – a device that helps examine the ear Perforated eardrum – a hole or tear in the eardrum, often caused by an infection Recurrent otitis media – three ear infections in three months, four in six months, six in 12 months Swimmer’s ear – an infection in the outer ear caused by bacteria in trapped water in the ear canal Tinnitus – ringing in the ears (clicking, humming, buzzing) caused by damage to the hearing nerve commonly caused by age and loud noises Tympanostomy tubes – small tube inserted in the eardrum to help drain fluid, mucus and pus Ear Infections: Lifestyle Management