I have fluid in my ears rather than ear wax...i hear this means there is a dysfunction in my auditory tube. is that an ear infection? is it serious?

Otitis media: You can develop serous fluids in the middle ear and the eustacian tubes without there being an infection present, although that is probably the most common cause. You should see your family doctor and have this examined and treated. You could also use a decongestant and see if that will help these drain. Good luck.

Normal variation: The skin of the walls of middle ear create mucous like you do in your cheeks.This lubricates the ear bones and eventually drains down the Eustachian tubes to become part of your spit.The tubes can be blocked during colds, allergies or other events and fluid will accumulate.The process is common and benign.If germs enter the space through the tube, they feed on the mucous and cause an infection.

Serous otitis media: 'Fluid in the ears" as a result of eustachian tube dysfunction is not in and of itself an infection, but the trapped fluid can easily turn into one. This fluid is trapped behind the ear drum when the eustachian tube becomes ineffective at draining the middle ear space. Nasal steroids and/or decongestants are often used to improve functioning of the tube.