Are Ear Infections Contagious?

A Keck Medicine of USC ear, nose and throat expert explains when to seek care.

As parents, we know that certain things, like colds, runny noses and fevers, are a normal part of raising children. When one child gets an ear infection, followed by siblings or classmates, you naturally wonder: Are ear infections contagious? Can they spread to others?

Seiji Shibata, MD, PhD, an otolaryngologist with the USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, part of Keck Medicine of USC, explains what you need to know about ear infections.

What causes ear infections?

The ear comprises three main parts: the outer ear (including the visible parts and the ear canal), the middle ear (the space behind the eardrum) and the inner ear (containing hearing and balance organs). Most infections occur in the middle or outer ear, Dr. Shibata notes.

In the outer ear, a common infection is “swimmer’s ear,” which is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal. Meanwhile, complaints of discomfort inside the ear, usually described as an earache, refer to an infection of the middle ear. It is rare for infections to happen in the inner ear, Dr. Shibata says.

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the primary trigger for most middle ear infections, Dr. Shibata explains. “Children are simply more prone to these infections because their immune system is less developed and they are exposed to more viruses in daycare and school,” he says. These viruses spread quickly, causing congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages.

Adults can also catch URIs and get middle ear infections, but it is much less common. Adults are more likely to develop outer ear infections from swimming, injury or improper ear cleaning. Adults also tend to experience fewer ear infections because they have fully developed immune systems. However, adults with compromised immunity remain at higher risk.

How to treat an ear infection

Most ear infections start getting better in about three days, Dr. Shibata says. Consult your doctor, however, if symptoms continue for more than a few days, worsen or cause significant pain or fever. For individuals with immune deficiencies, ear infections should not be taken lightly.

Importantly, if you experience signs of any hearing loss or muffled hearing, be sure to contact your doctor, who can get to the root of the hearing problem.

Are ear infections contagious?

The short answer, according to Dr. Shibata, is “No.” When your child has a runny nose, cough and ear pain — and so does a sibling or a classmate — it may seem like the ear infection is spreading from person to person. However, as Dr. Shibata explains, “The upper respiratory infection is probably contagious, but whether it spreads to the ears is a different story.” The viral upper respiratory infection (URI) passes from person to person, not the ear infection itself.

How to prevent ear infections

Here’s the important thing to remember: the cold or respiratory infection that leads to ear problems can spread from person to person, but the ear infection itself doesn’t. Knowing this helps us focus on what really works to keep us healthy. Your focus should be on preventing respiratory infections that can lead to ear problems in the first place, Dr. Shibata says.

Help prevent respiratory infections by washing hands often and cleaning and sanitizing common surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands first. Keep your seasonal vaccinations up to date because fewer URIs mean fewer chances for an ear infection to get started. “Washing your hands, wearing a mask when appropriate and clearing your nose regularly are all helpful,” Dr. Shibata recommends. Nasal irrigation can also help keep your passages clear.

Finally, Dr. Shibata cautions against the common misconception that you must clean your ears regularly. “The more you try to do something to your ears, the more harm it usually causes,” he explains. Remember, putting anything in your ears will likely do more harm than good. The ear canal is naturally self-cleaning and has a protective acidic environment. If visible earwax bothers you, simply wipe the outer ear clean, but never reach into the ear canal, he says.

Taking these simple steps can help protect you and your family from ear infections and help when they do happen.

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