1. What's That Ringing in My Ears?
That ringing in the ears may be caused from a variety of things, from infection to congenital disorders, even tumors. Ringing in the ears, called tinnitus, is often described as a roaring, clicking or hissing sound in the ears. It can be episodic, or constant. In its varying stages of severity, tinnitus can disrupt sleep, interfere with work and ultimately impact hearing.
Tinnitus can be caused by recurrent exposure to loud noises, certain medications, or may be a symptom of a different problem, such as high blood pressure, allergies or heart problems.
2. Ear Infections
One of the most common ear conditions in infants and young children is the ear infection. Approximately 75 percent of all children will experience one or more episodes of ear infections, or otitis media, before 3 years of age. Because the tubes that connect the ear chambers with the larynx of the throat (for air pressure equalization), called the Eustachian tubes, are very short in infants and young children, the propensity for infection is rather high. When this infection occurs, fluid becomes infected and thickened behind the ear drum, causing considerable discomfort, pressure, fever and hearing impairment.
For the most part, otitis media can be treated with antibiotics; however, those instances where infection is recurrent or resistant, small drainage tubes are surgically inserted into the ear drums to promote drainage.
3. There May be More to It
Dizziness and ringing in the ears may be caused by something more than an infection or loud noises. This combination of symptoms may be caused by a growth inside one of the chambers of the ear, or pressure on any of the nerves responsible for balance and hearing.
One of the more commonly seen situations is the Vestibular Schwannoma, or Acoustic Neuroma. This is typically a slow-growing, benign tumor that develops from nerves responsible for balance and hearing. As this tumor grows, it exerts pressure on the balance and hearing nerves, causing unilateral or bilateral ringing in the ears, hearing loss and balance alterations. Surgery is often necessary to remove the tumor.
4. Our External Environment Can Cause Ear Disorders
In this day and age, with space age electronics and larger-than-life audio systems, it's no wonder there is increased risk for ear and hearing disorders. Many occupations also contribute to potential ear disorders. Industrial occupations where there is daily exposure to loud machinery and equipment can damage nerves and ear drums. Proper use of noise reducing head gear can offer protection against the potentially damaging effects of industry.
5. Swimmer's Ear. Not Just For Swimmers.
Otitis Externa, or swimmer's ear, is a disorder of the external ear canal. It is relatively common and manifests itself as an acute bacterial infection of the skin inside the canal. Causative factors can include direct injury, i.e. from cotton swabs scratching the skin, to injury from the insertion of hearing aids. It can also be contracted from swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Those with inadequate ear wax protection are also at risk of getting swimmer's ear.
