Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Approximately 80 percent of children will have a middle ear infection at some point in their lives.

Ear infections often cause pain and pressure in the ear. The Epoch Times/Shutterstock

The ear, which consists of the outer, middle, and inner parts, can become infected by bacteria, fungi, or viruses in the ear canal or eustachian tube, affecting its ability to transmit and process sound.

More than 80 percent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media or middle ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. While specific data on adult ear infections is less comprehensive, they are a leading cause of health care visits across all age groups.