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Middle Ear

Picture of ear anatomy including the parts of the middle ear

Most ear infections form in the middle ear. The eustachian tube carries fluid from the middle ear to the throat. Sometimes during a cold, the eustachian tube becomes swollen and fluid is trapped in the middle ear. Bacteria or viruses can grow in this fluid and form an ear infection.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Revised January 13, 2011

Last Revised: January 13, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology

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