What sort of disorder is an ear infection?

Infection: An ear infection is when bacteria or viral bugs get into the spaces of your ear causing swelling and infection. This can affect hearing or cause pain.

Depends on location: Viruses can invade the ear nerve, impaining hearing; viruses or bacteria can inhabit the normally sterile middle ear space& mucous= otitis media;germs can invade the ear drum= myringitis/ lots of pain; skin bacteria & fungus can invade an over-hydrated outer canal & cause swimmers ear. Each affliction may be considered an ear infection & each is handled differently.