Normal vs. Infected Ear
When the ear is infected, the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed, allowing fluid to collect behind the eardrum. Germs can grow in the warm fluid. As the bones become immersed in fluid, a person’s ability to hear is impaired. Pain from an ear infection occurs as the fluid collects and pushes outward on the sensitive eardrum.
Medical Illustration Copyright © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com