An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infestation in the ear. An ear infection is most commonly caused by trapped moisture in the ear and by minor injury to the ear canal. Swimming, bathing, allergies, or even cleaning your ear with a cotton-tipped swab can lead to discomfort, bacterial growth, and infection. An ear infection results most often from swelling in the eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the ear to the nose). The ear is made up of an intricate system of tiny bones, organs, and membranes that produce the signals our brain interprets as sound. The pressure and moisture in this delicate system is regulated by the eustachian tube.

An ear infection, also known as otitis media, produces pus, fluid, fullness, pain, and inflammation within the ear. An ear infection may also cause fever, hearing loss, and dizziness. An acute or severe ear infection may even cause the eardrum to rupture or result from damage to the eardrum.

Ear infection symptoms are usually associated with upper respiratory infection, a cough or runny and stuffy nose. Ear infections are most common in children or those with allergies or a medical condition such a cleft palate. In children, the eustachian tube is shorter and less slanted than in adults and is thus more susceptible to bacterial and viral infection. For those with chronic or regular ear infections, prevention is often the best solution.

Xlear Inc. has developed a number of products, based on the natural bacteria fighter xylitol, that help to relieve and manage the causes and effects of an ear infection. The regular use of Xlear Nasal Wash™ flushes away pollutants, allergens, and infections in nasal passages that can lead to swelling of the eustachian tube. Xylitol is among bacteria's natural enemies. When certain harmful bacteria enter the body, they attach to the membranes of the nose and throat and onto the ear. Xlear Nasal Wash flushes the delicate tissue that connects the nose and ear and helps manage future ear infection.

In addition, Spry Chewing Gums™, are great solutions for jaw movement to relieve pressure in the ear, are sugar free and promote dental health. Clinical studies have shown substantial reductions in the occurrence of ear infections in children that regularly chew xylitol-rich gum. Xylitol helps prevent bacteria from migrating up the estuachian tube into the middle ear.