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Ears
and Common Ear Problems
Ear
Infections
What
causes an ear infection?
An
ear infection, also known as otitis media,
is
caused by improper drainage of fluid that collects behind
the ear drum during a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory
infection and the presence of bacteria or viruses. The
build up of pressurized pus in the middle ear causes
an earache, swelling, and redness. Since the eardrum
cannot vibrate properly, the individual may experience
hearing problems.
Swimmers
Ear
What
causes swimmer’s ear?
Swimmer’s
ear or, otitis externa, is typically a bacterial infection
of the ear canal which differs from otitis media which
involves fluid behind the eardrum. Otitis externa is
most commonly caused by water getting trapped in the
ear canal. It also follows injury to the skin of the
ear canal caused by aggressive “cleaning”
with Q-tips, bobby pins, match sticks and other devices.
- What
does the doctor mean when he/she says my child would
benefit from “tubes?”
Most of the time, otitis media clears up with proper
medication. When it doesn’t, further treatment
may be recommended by your physician. This treatment
may be the surgical placement of a ventilation tube
in the eardrum. This “tube” allows fluid
to drain from behind the eardrum preventing fluid
accumulation. .The individual will probably notice
a remarkable improvement in hearing and a decrease
in the frequency of ear infections.
Ear
Wax
Why
do I have ear wax?
Ear
wax (cerumen) is normal in healthy ears. The purpose
of cerumen is to moisturize and protect the skin of
the ear canal and to trap dust and particles before
they reach the ear drum. Cerumen is formed in the outer
part of the ear canal. Normally, wax makes its way to
the outer opening of the ear canal, flakes up, and falls
out.
How
do I remove ear wax?
In
most cases, swabbing the opening of the ear canal with
the corner of a twisted damp washcloth will remove excessive
ear wax. Avoid too much moister or going too deep since
prolonged moisture in the ear canal can lead to an infection.
Probing with bobby pins, match sticks, Q-tips, etc.
is strongly discouraged.
What’s
wrong with Q-tips?
The
problem with Q-tips is that they pack the ear wax from
the outer ear canal deep into the ear canal until it
jams against the ear drum, much like a cannon being
packed with black powder and a tamping rod. Cerumen
lodged against the ear drum is much more difficult and
painful to get out and can cause a temporary hearing
loss.
Tinnitus
or Ringing in the Ears
What
is tinnitus or ringing in the ears?
Tinnitus
is very common and can be annoying and distracting.
Almost 37 million Americans have tinnitus in their ear
or ears. It may come and go or might be a constant bother.
It might be soft or loud, low pitched (roaring), or
high-pitched (ringing) kind of sound. More than 7 million
people are so badly afflicted that they can’t lead
normal lives.(go to tinnitus)
What might cause tinnitus?
There are various causes including a plug of wax, allergy,
ear infection, circulatory problems, certain medications,
and prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Dizziness,
Vertigo & Meniere’s Disease
What
is dizziness?
Some people describe their balance problem by saying
that they feel dizzy, unsteady or giddy. This feeling
of imbalance without the sensation of turning or spinning
is called disequilibrium and is sometimes due to an
inner ear problem.
What
is vertigo?
The word vertigo comes from the Latin verb “to
turn.” Individuals with vertigo often say that
they or their surroundings are turning or spinning.
Vertigo is often due to an inner ear problem.
What
is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a disorder that produces a
group of symptoms: sudden attacks of whirling dizziness,
tinnitus or head noise, a feeling of pressure or fullness
in the ear, and a fluctuating hearing loss. While the
underlying cause is not known, it is believed to result
from a fluctuation in the pressure of fluid that fills
the inner ear. An attack may last from a few hours to
several days. Following a severe attack, most people
find that they are so exhausted that they must lie down
or sleep for several hours. The attacks vary in frequency
from every few weeks to every few years. The disorder
affects five out of ten thousand people, most of whom
are over 35 years old.
Hearing
Aids
(See Hearing
Aids)
price
you paid for the hearing aid.
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