An objective tinnitus signal refers to tinnitus noises generated by measurable physiological sources in the ENT area, such as vascular turbulence or muscle contractions. Unlike subjective tinnitus, objective noises can be recorded acoustically using special microphones or stethoscopes. The causes are often vascular malformations, muscle spasms in the middle ear, or Eustachian tube spasms. The diagnosis is made through parallel hearing tests and imaging such as duplex sonography or CT angiography. Depending on the cause, vascular embolization, muscle injections, or surgical corrections are used as treatment.

The ear is divided into the outer ear (ear canal and auricle), middle ear (eardrum, ossicles, Eustachian tube), and inner ear (cochlea and vestibular organ). It picks up sound, converts it mechanically and electrochemically, and transmits nerve impulses to the brain. It is also responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Diseases affecting any part of the ear can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. Interdisciplinary care involves ENT specialists, audiologists, and, in the case of balance problems, neurologists or physical therapists.

An ear impression is an exact negative mold of the external ear canal and the auricle, which serves as the basis for custom-made earpieces, hearing protection, and in-ear monitors. It is created directly in the ear canal using soft, skin-friendly impression material. A precise impression ensures a snug fit and optimal sound, prevents feedback, and minimizes pressure points. Incorrect impressions can lead to leaks, uncomfortable pressure, or poor sound quality. Specially trained audiologists check the impression and optimize it if necessary.

Ear candles are hollow, flammable tubes that are inserted into the ear canal and lit to create negative pressure, which is supposed to draw out earwax and impurities. However, scientific studies have shown that this method is ineffective and can cause dangerous burns, scalds, and perforations of the eardrum. ENT associations advise against ear candles and recommend medical ear cleaning procedures instead. Proper cleaning is performed under microscopic view or using cerumen-dissolving drops. In the case of recurring problems, specialist medical examination and conservative therapies are more effective.

Ear care aims to gently clean the external ear canal and outer ear and protect them from infection. Only water- or oil-based ear drops that dissolve earwax are recommended, along with wiping the external ear canal with a soft cloth. Inserting cotton swabs or other objects deep into the ear can push cerumen deeper, causing injuries to the ear canal or damage to the eardrum. In the case of stubborn earwax or foreign bodies, an ENT doctor should perform the cleaning. Regular check-ups prevent cerumen obturans and acute otitis externa.

Earwax (cerumen) is a mixture of secretions from the cerumen glands and dead skin cells that acts as a natural protective film in the ear canal. It traps dust, dirt, and microorganisms and has antimicrobial properties. Normally, cerumen is collected by jaw movements and transported out of the ear canal. However, overproduction or incorrect self-cleaning leads to the formation of plugs (cerumen obturans) and sound conduction disorders. When removing plugs, ENT doctors use rinsing, suction, or drops to prevent damage.

Earache (otalgia) can be caused by diseases of the outer ear (e.g., otitis externa), middle ear (otitis media), but also by dental or jaw-related problems. It manifests itself as a stabbing, throbbing, or burning pain, often accompanied by a feeling of pressure or hearing loss. Diagnostics include otoscopy, functional tests, and, if the cause is unclear, dental or neurological examination. Treatment depends on the underlying disease and includes analgesics, antibiotics, compresses, or surgical intervention if necessary. The primary goals are to reduce pain and avoid complications.

Ear disorders encompass all pathological conditions of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, from cerumen obturans and otitis media to sensorineural hearing loss. They can be acute or chronic and cause symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or pain. Diagnosis requires an ENT examination, audiometry, tympanometry, and, depending on the suspected condition, imaging. Treatment ranges from conservative measures (medication, physiotherapy/audiotherapy) to surgical procedures. Prevention through vaccinations (e.g., pneumococcal), hearing protection, and regular check-ups reduces the disease burden.

Tinnitus encompasses all subjectively perceived sounds without an external sound source, including tinnitus, pulsatile sounds, and muscular noises. They are caused by changes in the inner ear, middle ear, vascular flow, or central processing disorders. Pulse-synchronous noises often indicate vascular causes, while tonal sounds indicate cochlear or central dysregulation. Diagnosis is made through medical history, objective measurements (OAE, AEP), and imaging techniques. Therapies range from sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to medication and invasive procedures, depending on the cause.

The shape of the outer ear varies greatly anatomically and is classified according to the contour, height, and depth of the helix, antihelix, and cavum conchae. Typical variants are the loop-shaped (reduced helix) and shell-shaped (deep concha) outer ear. Shape and size influence the HRTF and thus spatial hearing and frequency filtering. When manufacturing earmolds for hearing aids or hearing protection, the individual shape of the auricle must be taken into account precisely. Plastic surgery corrections (otoplasty) can treat aesthetic or functional problems, such as protruding ears or microtia deformities.

Otohypertension refers to increased pressure in the middle ear, which causes the eardrum to bulge outward and impairs its ability to vibrate. Common causes include Eustachian tube ventilation disorders, inflammatory effusions, or postoperative changes. Symptoms include a feeling of pressure, hearing loss, and occasionally a feeling of fullness in the ear. Diagnostically, tympanometry shows a left-shifted impedance curve with reduced compliance. Treatment aims to equalize pressure through tube function training, balloon dilation, or ear tube implantation.

Otology is the medical field that deals with diseases of the ear, its function, and treatment. It includes the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders, vertigo, ear pain, and ear malformations. Otologists work closely with audiologists, neurotologists, and ENT surgeons to ensure interdisciplinary care. Procedures include audiometry, tympanometry, microsurgical procedures, and implantations. Research in otology ranges from molecular repair mechanisms to innovative hearing implants.

Otomastoiditis is inflammation of the mastoid bone resulting from untreated or chronic otitis media. It manifests itself through severe pain behind the ear, fever, swelling, and often discharge from the ear canal. Diagnosis is made using CT to detect bone destruction and abscesses. Treatment includes high-dose antibiotics and often surgical mastoidectomy to remove necrotic tissue. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as brain abscess.

Otoneurology is an interdisciplinary branch of neurology and ENT medicine that deals with disorders of the inner ear and its central connections. It focuses on vertigo, vestibular disorders, and central auditory processing disorders. Diagnostic procedures include videonystagmography, vestibular evoked potentials, and imaging techniques. Therapeutic approaches combine medication, surgery, and rehabilitation. Otoneurologists work closely with physical therapists for vestibular training.

Otopexy refers to the surgical fixation of the auricle or middle ear structures, for example after trauma or in cases of congenital anomalies. In the outer ear, it is used to bring protruding ears (otoplasty) into anatomically correct position. In the middle ear, otopexy can stabilize the ossicular chain or implants to optimize sound conduction. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under microscopic control. Postoperative checks ensure the mobility and function of the fixed structures.

An earmold is a custom-made shell made of silicone or acrylic that seals the ear canal and holds the hearing aid control unit or receiver. It ensures optimal sound, prevents feedback, and offers comfort through precise adaptation to the individual ear geometry. Earmolds are made from an ear impression and are regularly reworked to ensure a good fit and seal. Different designs (open, closed) affect ventilation and acoustic properties. Cleaning and care are essential to prevent material aging and cerumen buildup.

Otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat medicine) is the surgical and medical specialty for diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. It covers the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders, sinusitis, voice and swallowing disorders, and tumors in the head and neck area. ENT doctors perform endoscopic examinations, microsurgical procedures, and implantations. Interdisciplinary collaboration with neurology, dentistry, and oncology is common. Further training covers otology, rhinology, phoniatrics, and pediatric audiology.

Otosclerosis is a bony growth on the stapes or incus foot, which leads to stiffening of the ossicular chain and conductive hearing loss. Initially, those affected often experience tinnitus and mild hearing loss, later developing a typical flattening of the air conduction curve in the audiogram. Treatment consists of stapedotomy with prosthesis implantation or conservative monitoring in mild cases. Genetic factors and hormonal influences play a role in the pathogenesis. The long-term prognosis after surgery is generally good, with hearing improvement of up to 30 dB.

Otoscopy is the visual examination of the external auditory canal and eardrum using an otoscope. It allows the skin, cerumen, signs of inflammation, perforations, and foreign bodies to be assessed. Pneumatic otoscopy also tests eardrum mobility in response to pressure changes. It is a fundamental part of every ENT examination and should be performed before audiometry. Findings lead to further diagnostics or therapeutic steps such as cleaning, drops, or surgical interventions.

The otoscopic findings document all visible changes in the ear canal and eardrum, such as redness, edema, perforation, or fluid levels. They include a description of the location, size, and morphology of pathologies, as well as functional tests such as pneumatic eardrum mobility. Standardized report forms ensure comparability and traceability. Deviations from normal findings trigger targeted therapies, e.g., antibiotics for otitis or surgery for cholesteatoma. Regular check-ups are essential for chronic middle ear diseases.