Ear (Otology)

EAR DISEASES

Here are some common ear diseases and conditions that can affect hearing and overall ear health:

  1. Otitis Media: This is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by bacteria or viruses. It can lead to pain, fever, ear drum perforation and hearing loss.
  2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This occurs when the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose doesn’t open properly, causing a feeling of fullness and possible hearing loss.
  3. Tinnitus: This is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears without an external sound source. It can be temporary or chronic and may be associated with hearing loss.
  4. Presbycusis: Age-related hearing loss that gradually occurs in older adults. It typically affects both ears and is characterized by difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds.
  5. Meniere’s Disease: A chronic condition of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
  6. Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues.
  7. Cholesteatoma: An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can develop from repeated infections. It can lead to ear damage, hearing loss, and infections.
  8. Otosclerosis: A hereditary condition where abnormal bone growth in the middle ear prevents proper sound transmission, leading to hearing loss.
  9. Barotrauma: Injury to the ear due to changes in pressure, often experienced during flying or diving, leading to pain and potential hearing loss.
  10. Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): An infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water exposure, leading to itching, redness, and sometimes discharge.

Getting your ears checked timely is the first step towards management of the ear conditions, you must visit an ENT at the earliest if you feel any symptom.