The ear is an organ used for hearing and balance; it is part of the peripheral nervous system and consists of outer, middle and inner parts that work together. Ear infections are common problems; in addition, a variety of more serious conditions and diseases affect the ear. Diseases of the ear may occur from damage to the organ itself or conditions that affect the immune system.
Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
Autoimmune inner ear disease is a progressive inflammatory disorder. Immune cells and antibodies attack the inner ear, resulting at times in hearing loss. Balance problems, tinnitus and dizziness may also occur; the disease can affect one or both ears. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the disease is rare, occurring in only 1 percent of the 28 million people who suffer from hearing problems in the U.S. Hearing loss is progressive and can be associated with other autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include pain and ringing in the ear that progress over weeks or months.
Polychondritis
Polychondritis is a severe inflammatory condition that inflames the cartilage in the ear. The disease most often affects individuals in their 50s or 60s; infection or another illness may trigger the condition, according to Intelihealth. Polychondritis disease not only affects the ear, but other cartilaginous structures, including the nose, larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes. Symptoms of the disease include swelling, acute pain, fever, fatigue, neurological problems and problems associated with the location of the disease. If the disease advances, it can cause health concerns including destruction of cartilage, floppy ears and auditory abnormalities. The cause of polychondritis is unknown.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes loss of balance and recurrent episodes of ringing sensations in the ear. The possible causes of Meniere's disease include changes in fluids within the inner ear, ototoxic drugs, acoustic trauma and viruses that cause disturbance and lesions within the inner ear. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that there are 45,000 new diagnoses of Meniere's disease each year; currently 615,000 Americans have the disease. Vertigo is the main symptom of Meniere's disease, but symptoms also include tinnitus, hearing loss, headaches, discomfort and fatigue.
