1. Overview of the Middle Ear
The middle ear houses the eardrum, or tympanic membrane, and three small bones, the ossicles. The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. External noise hits the eardrum then vibrates the ossicles. The Eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle ear and provides ventilation to keep pressure off the eardrum.
Anything that affects pressure on the eardrum, or disrupts the normal function of the small bones (ossicles) can cause symptoms that may be indicative of an inner ear disorder.
2. Causes of Middle Ear Disorders
Ear infection or otitis media is the most common cause of disturbance in the middle ear, especially in children. Either bacteria or virus causes ear infections.
Myringitis is a contagious middle ear infection caused by bacteria or viral infection. It can cause blisters on the eardrum, occurs suddenly and is very painful.
Direct trauma, explosions, chemical burns and exposure to high heat can damage the ossicles of the middle ear and interfere with hearing.
Otosclerosis is an abnormality in the growth of the stapes, one of the ossicles in the middle ear. The stapes becomes immobile, preventing sound from passing from the middle to inner ear.
3. Symptoms
Pain or fullness in the ear are typical symptoms of middle ear infection caused by allergies or colds.
Perforation of the eardrum can occur as the result of fluid buildup between the outer and middle ear, causing severe pain, hearing loss and ringing in the ears. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of trauma to the eardrum. The ear becomes more vulnerable to infection, may begin to drain or bleed.
Hearing loss is the primary symptom of otosclerosis, beginning with the inability to hear high pitched sounds, progressing to difficulty hearing whispers.
4. Medical Treatment
Middle ear infections from virus usually resolve on their own in a few days. Pain relievers and anesthetic ear drops can ease discomfort. Bacterial infections are treated with oral antibiotics.
Otosclerosis may be correctable with surgery. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits, because not all surgeries are successful. If symptoms are mild, surgery might not be the best choice for you.
Myringitis is treated with antibiotics. It is difficult to know whether the symptoms come from a virus or bacteria. Your doctor will prescribe specific antibiotics that are used to treat ear infection. A small instrument can be used by your doctor to rupture blisters that may form on the eardrum, providing pain relief.
Intravenous antibiotics are needed to treat mastoiditis. Hospitalization is common.
If your eardrum ruptures, it's important to keep your ear dry. Sometimes surgery is required to repair the eardrum if it doesn't heal properly. Antibiotic ear drops are prescribed for signs of infection.
5. Self Treatment
Treat allergies, and cold symptoms with nasal and oral decongestants to keep ear pressure stable. Use over the counter pain medications to ease discomfort. Heating pads facilitate drainage by opening up the ear canal and increasing blood flow to help fight infection.
Avoid flying or diving if you suffer from a middle ear disorder. Use a nasal decongestant if you must fly. During airplane descent, or when diving, relieve ear pressure by pinching your nose. Gently breathe out with your mouth closed. Chew gum, swallow, or try breathing with your mouth open when ascending.
Early treatment of middle ear infection or loss of hearing is the best way to prevent complications.
See your doctor if you think you have symptoms of a middle ear disorder. A simple look inside the ear can provide a lot of information.
