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Middle ear

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Middle ear

Location of outer, middle, and inner ear, with detail of middle ear behind eardrum showing bones of middle ear and one end of eustachian tube.

The middle ear is a space behind the eardrum that contains a group of tiny vibrating bones and one end of the eustachian tube.

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.

Current as of: February 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
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