Differential Diagnosis for Infected Ear Ringing

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Otitis externa: This is the most common cause of infected ear ringing, also known as swimmer's ear. It is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by bacteria or fungi, and can lead to symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and discharge, along with ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Otitis media: This is an infection of the middle ear, which can cause symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and hearing loss, and may also lead to tinnitus.
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Dysfunction of this tube can lead to a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
  • Cerumen impaction: A buildup of earwax can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, itching, and tinnitus, and may become infected.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Malignant otitis externa: A severe infection of the outer ear that can spread to the skull and brain, particularly in people with diabetes or weakened immune systems.
  • Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including brain abscess and meningitis.
  • Petrous apicitis: A rare but serious infection of the petrous part of the temporal bone, which can lead to complications such as meningitis and brain abscess.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Relapsing polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and infection of the cartilage in the ear, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, redness, and tinnitus.
  • Otosclerosis: A rare condition that affects the middle ear, causing hearing loss and tinnitus, and may be associated with infection.
  • Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection that can cause symptoms such as vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.