Ear Problems

Before we read about ear problems, let's know about human ear functioning. Human ear is composed of 3 parts, inner ear, resembling a snail shape, middle ear, filled with air and outer ear. Sound waves reach outer ear first, from where they are passed on to middle ear causing vibrations in eardrum. Sound vibrations then traverse to inner ear through ossicles, which are tiny bones in middle ear. Inner ear creates nervous stimuli which are sent to brain as sound waves. Inner ear is composed of 2 parts called cochlea and labyrinth. Cochlea deals with sense of hearing and labyrinth maintains hearing balance. This balance system is also referred to as vestibular system.

Ear Disorders

There are several disorders which disturb ear functions. These are given below.

Acoustic neurinoma: Acoustic neurinoma can be defined as gradual tumorous growth of the nerve which connects brain and ear. As it keeps on growing, it gets compressed between balancing nerves and hearing nerves. Disorders such as neurofibromatosis, can lead to damaging both hearing nerves and can result in facial paralysis. Acoustic neurinoma symptoms include ringing in one or both ears, also called tinnitus, balance difficulty and lack of hearing, most commonly on one side. Various scans and ear tests show if the person is suffering from acoustic neurinoma. The treatment for acoustic neurinoma includes radiation treatment and surgery.

Ear infections: Ear infections are the most commonly observed ear disorders among the toddlers. Common example includes otitis media, which is explained in the following paragraph. Infection occurs as a result of ear tubes getting blocked with mucus or fluid. Symptoms of ear infections in toddlers include ear drainage, continuous crying, difficulty in sleeping and tugging due to itchy inner ear. In case of severe infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for children, however, in case of recurrent infections, surgery of Eustachian tubes is recommended. Best ear infection home remedy for toddlers is to place a bag of moderately heated salt near child's ear for approximately 10 minutes. It drains out infected fluid out of baby's ear and relieves pain.

Labyrinthitis: Labyrinthitis can be defined as inner ear infection causing inflammation of labyrinth. Labyrinth is a mesh of channels, inside each ear, performing the function of balance and hearing. The information transmitted to your brain by inflamed labyrinth differs from the rest of the functioning part of ear, which makes the person feel giddy. It also shows symptoms such as vertigo, wherein despite no movement, the person experiences that he/she is moving. The doctor prescribes vestibular suppressants to alleviate inner ear dizziness. Sometimes steroids are also advised. Labyrinthitis, if left untreated can lead to hearing loss.

Otitis media: Otitis media is one of the most common ear problems in adults and young children. Otitis media is fluid accumulation in the middle ear. Otitis media affects Eustachian tube, which connects back of throat with ear canal. Bacteria, cold and cough, sore throat are few of the causes of this middle ear infection. Normally, middle ear is occupied with air, however, sometimes because of cold and cough, middle ear gets filled up with fluid or mucus. In wake of mucus getting contaminated from bacterial infection, otitis media is caused. Symptoms of otitis media include discharge of pus from the ear along with giddiness and fever. If the symptoms of this middle ear infection in adults, are not treated in time, it leads to eardrum and ossicles movement obstruction. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of chronic otitis media. Some people are used to taking antibiotics for mild infections, which make bacteria resistant to the medication. Hence it is advised to avoid antibiotics for mild ear infections. It's better to let the infection heal on its own, which generally alleviates within 4-5 days. In case of chronic otitis media, where person is not responding to antibiotics, surgery is recommended.

Presbycusis: Presbycusis is also termed as deafness. Types of deafness depend upon several reasons such as certain medications, continuous exposure to sound with high decibels, ear infections and heredity. Sometimes, due to wax build up, ruptured eardrum or fluid retention, sound waves can not reach the innermost area or inner ear. This can be cured by cochlear implant, hearing aids, or if need be, with surgery. Second type is due to the damage to inner ear. This remains permanent.

Perforated eardrums: Ruptured eardrum, or a hole created in eardrum leads to hearing disorders and earache. Eardrum, also referred to as, tympanic membrane, is a tissue lining separating middle ear and outer ear. Otitis media, or infection of middle ear, is most commonly observed cause of perforated eardrums. Perforated eardrum symptoms include ear pain and if the tearing increases, it leads to acute hearing loss. An otolaryngologist prescribes antibiotics to relieve pain and alleviate the infection associated with perforated eardrum. It usually takes a couple of months of medication to get rid of perforated eardrum.

Swimmer's ear: Swimmer's ear, also referred to as otitis externa is defined as infection and swelling of ear canal. It may occur due to removal of lipid layer. It is caused due to entry of contaminated water, sand, dirt in the ear canal. Symptoms include acute ear pain along with throat pain and hoarseness. Swimmer's ear treatments include pus removal and administering antibiotic swimmer's ear drops. The best home remedy to cure ear infections is to use garlic oil for ear infection. Just mix a garlic clove with 1 tablespoon sesame oil and heat moderately. Pour 4-5 drops in each ear and wait for approximately 10 minutes.

Tinnitus: Tinnitus can be defined as ringing or roaring sound in the ear. However, Tinnitus sound originates from the body and not from the outside. Tinnitus can be the symptom of an underlying disease such as meniere's disease . Meniere's disease is characterized by acute dizziness and ringing sound. It is observed that, inner ear problems and dizziness are often associated with each other. Menierie's disease can be caused by fluid build up in inner ear. Mild tinnitus can be initiated by continuous exposure to sound with high decibels. Chronic tinnitus is rarely observed and there is no permanent cure for chronic ailment. The treatment is aimed at dealing with the symptoms and includes cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy and sound therapy.

This was about the different problems of the ear, their symptoms, causes and treatment. On spotting any of these signs, consult your doctor immediately and start the treatment. Delay in treatment can result in grave consequences like permanent deafness. Time to sign off now! Take care!