The human ear is an organ most of us don't think about until it develops a problem. Essential for hearing and balance, the ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle and inner. Several common problems can befall the ear. Seek guidance from a medical professional for any ear or hearing problem.
Outer Ear
The outer ear can fall victim to injury and infection. One common malady is swimmer's ear. Mayo Clinic explains that this happens when moisture stays in the ear canal and the ear becomes infected. Symptoms include itching, redness, pain, decreased hearing and pus or fluid leakage. Treatment includes an antibiotic if the infection is due to bacteria or an antifungal if it is due to a fungus. Steroids and acidic eardrops may also be prescribed. One or both ears may be affected.
Middle Ear
The term "ear infection" usually applies to otitis media, an infection of the middle ear. This disorder, more common in young children, can strike at any age. It often spreads from a viral or bacterial infection of the throat or sinus into the middle ear via the Eustachian tube. One or both ears may be affected. Ear pain and hearing loss are common as the infection spreads. Antibiotics and pain medications are frequently prescribed for otitis media. Recurrent middle ear infections may require surgical treatment.
Inner Ear
Several complex problems can affect the inner ear, most of them disturbing the sense of balance. One common disorder is Meniere's disease. The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders explains that Meniere's disease is believed to be caused when a membrane ruptures, allowing different fluids to mix within the inner ear. The most frequent symptom is vertigo--the sensation that the room is spinning. This sensation is often accompanied by vomiting and sweating. Treatment for Meniere's disease includes surgery, medication to improve blood circulation to the area and dietary modifications. Some practitioners give an injection of an antibiotic called gentamicin into the inner ear as a treatment for severe symptoms. The liquid stays in place for 30 minutes, and removal of the fluid is then attempted. This treatment causes a type of damage to the inner ear that often alleviates the vertigo of Meniere's disease. Some patients experience a degree of hearing loss after the procedure. There is currently no cure for Meniere's disease. Inner ear disturbances can affect one or both ears, and they may be continuous or episodic.
Hearing Loss
There are two types of hearing loss: sensorineural and conductive. Some individuals have a mixture of both types. Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerves serving the inner ear. Sensorinueral loss is considered permanent. Common causes include exposure to loud noises, aging, physical trauma, birth injury, disease, a virus or side effects from a drug. It may also be genetic. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems with the outer or middle ear; common culprits include earwax, a foreign body, infection, tumor or a perforated eardrum. Drug or surgical treatment may be available for conductive hearing loss. Hearing aids can benefit some people who suffer from hearing loss of either type. Hearing loss may affect one or both ears.
References
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Otitis Media
- Mayo Clinic: Swimmer's Ear
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Type, Degree and Configuration of Hearing Loss
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:Meniere's Disease
- Timothy C. Hain, M.D.: Intratympanic/Transtympanic Gentamicin Treatment for Meniere's Disease
