The ears are susceptible to all sorts of medical problems. Composed of cartilage (a type of fatty substance) on the outside and an intricate inner system on the inside, the ear can become infected or certain cells can grow on the inner part of the ear. Fortunately, the conditions that affect the ears have treatment options.
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, refers to a condition affecting the outer part of the ear. According to KidsHealth.org of the Nemours Foundation, otitis externa is a bacterial infection that affects the outer part of the ear and ear canal. In fact, it states that this typically occurs in children who frequently are exposed to water like in swimming.
Specific symptoms of swimmer's ear include ear pain, swelling of the ear canal, clear, yellow or pus-like discharge, and sometimes a fever.
MedlinePlus indicates that swimming in polluted water, scratching the ear or getting something stuck in the ear can lead to this condition.
Treatment for swimmer's ear involves using antibiotic eardrops and taking corticosteroids to decrease inflammation.
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma refers to a cyst that actually develops in the inner ear. MedlinePlus says that its symptoms include hearing problems especially in one ear, dizziness, ear drainage, and pain or numbness around the ear.
This condition can develop at birth. However, cholesteatoma is typically the result of a prolonged ear infection.
Cholesteatoma is typically treated with surgery. Left untreated, this cyst can lead to deafness, a brain infection (meningitis), ear drainage, facial paralysis and dizziness.
Ear Infection
An ear infection, medically known as otitis media, is a bacterial infection that affects the middle ear. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, ear infections can affect 75 percent of children by the time they reach 3 years old.
Typically, signs of an ear infection in children include a fever, a loss of balance, ear drainage and unsteadiness on the feet. Trouble hearing, trouble sleeping and irritability are other signs of an ear infection.
The Staphylococcus pneumonia bacteria typically causes an ear infection.
Antibiotics typically treat an ear infection. Sometimes, a tube may be surgically placed in the ear to help drain any fluid.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to a sound that is heard in the ear. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, tinnitus can be a ringing, roaring or hissing sound. It states that about 25 million people are stricken with tinnitus.
Causes of tinnitus include a loud noise, hearing loss, a medication or other problems such as allergies or tumors.
Treatments for tinnitus include wearing a hearing aid, an electronic device that masks the sound, and taking certain medications to decrease tinnitus. Also, counseling and relaxing may help decrease tinnitus.
