In 2006, only around 4 in 1,000 people in Europe were thought to have had an ear infection with discharge at any one time.1 We couldn't find figures for the United States. But they are thought to be about the same.1 Ear infections with discharge were more common in the past. That's because people were more likely to live in overcrowded housing, and less likely to have easy access to clean water and a good diet.
But long-term (chronic) ear infections are still common in less developed parts of the world. Between 65 and 330 million people in the world have ear infection with discharge. And up to 3 in 5 people have some deafness as a result. More than 9 in 10 people with ear infection with discharge are from less developed countries.1
Ear infections with discharge happen to adults and children. Ear infections are more common in children.2
- World Health Organisation. Chronic suppurative otitis media: burden of illness and management options. 2004. Available at http://www.who.int/entity/pbd/deafness/activities/hearing_care/otitis_media.pdf(accessed on 10 April 2008).
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Otitis media (chronic). Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/000619.htm (accessed on 10 April 2008).
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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
