Infections of the ear usually triggered by bacteria or viruses, often occurring with infections of the throat or respiratory system. There are three types of ear infection: otitis externa (ear canal inflammation), otitis media (middle ear inflammation-the most common type), and otitis interna (inner ear inflammation-rare). Serious complications that can arise from ear infections include loss of hearing, a burst eardrum, and mastoiditis, a rare infection of the mastoid process.