An objective tinnitus signal refers to tinnitus sounds that are generated by measurable physiological sources in the ENT area, such as vascular turbulence or muscular contractions. Unlike subjective tinnitus, objective sounds 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 using 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 therapeutically.

The ear is divided into the outer ear (pinna and auditory canal), middle ear (eardrum, auditory ossicles, Eustachian tube) and inner ear (cochlea and vestibular organ). It receives sound, converts it mechanically and electrochemically and transmits nerve impulses to the brain. It is also responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Diseases of one section of the ear can cause hearing loss, tinnitus or dizziness. Interdisciplinary care includes ENT specialists, audiologists and, in the case of balance problems, neurologists or physiotherapists.

An ear impression is an exact negative mold of the external auditory canal and the pinna, which serves as the basis for custom-made earmolds, 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 tight fit and optimal sound, prevents feedback and minimizes pressure points. Incorrect impressions can lead to leaks, an unpleasant feeling of pressure or poor sound quality. Specialist acousticians check the impression and optimize it if necessary.

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

Ear care aims to gently clean the external auditory canal and pinna and protect them from infection. It is recommended to use only cerumen-dissolving drops based on water or oil and to wipe the external auditory canal with a soft cloth. Deep insertion of cotton buds or other objects can push cerumen deeper and cause ear canal injuries or eardrum damage. In the case of stubborn earwax or foreign bodies, an ENT specialist should carry out the cleaning. Regular checks prevent earwax obturation and acute otitis externa.

Earwax (cerumen) is a mixture of secretions from the ceruminous 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 problems. When removing plugs, ENT specialists use irrigation, 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 dental or jaw-related problems. They manifest themselves as 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 examinations. Treatment depends on the underlying disease and includes analgesics, antibiotics and, if necessary, compresses or surgical intervention. Reducing pain and avoiding complications are the primary goals.

Ear diseases include all pathological conditions of the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear, from cerumen obturans to otitis media and 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 suspicion, imaging. Treatment ranges from conservative measures (medication, physiotherapy/audiotherapy) to surgical interventions. Prevention through vaccinations (e.g. pneumococci), hearing protection and regular check-ups reduces the risk of disease.

Ear noises include 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 flows or central processing disorders. Pulse-synchronous sounds often indicate vascular causes, tonal sounds indicate cochlear or central dysregulation. Diagnosis is based on anamnesis, objective measurements (OAE, AEP) and imaging procedures. Therapies range from sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to medication and invasive procedures, depending on the cause.

Auricle shapes vary greatly anatomically and are classified according to the contour, height and depth of the helix, antihelix and cavum conchae. Typical variants are the loop-shaped (reduced helix) and conch-shaped (deep concha) pinna. The shape and size influence the HRTF and therefore spatial hearing and frequency filtering. The individual shape of the pinna must be precisely taken into account when making earmolds for hearing aids or hearing protection. Plastic surgical corrections (otoplasty) can treat aesthetic or functional problems, such as protruding ears or microtia malformations.

Otohypertension refers to increased pressure in the middle ear space, which causes the eardrum to bulge outwards and impairs the ability to vibrate. It is often caused by ventilation disorders in the auditory tube, 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 is aimed at pressure equalization through tube function training, balloon dilatation or tympanostomy tube implantation.

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

Otomastoiditis is the inflammation of the mastoid bone as a result of untreated or chronic otitis media. It manifests itself as severe pain behind the ear, fever, swelling and often discharge from the ear canal. Diagnosis is carried out 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 abscesses.

Otoneurology is an interdisciplinary branch of neurology and ENT medicine that deals with diseases of the inner ear and its central circuitry. The focus is on vertigo, vestibular disorders and central auditory processing disorders. Diagnostic procedures include videonystagmography, vestibular evoked potentials and imaging techniques. Therapeutically, drug, surgical and rehabilitative approaches are combined. Otoneurologists work closely with physiotherapists for vestibular training.

Otopexy refers to the surgical fixation of the pinna or middle ear structures, for example following trauma or in the case of congenital anomalies. In the outer ear, it is used to bring protruding ears (otoplasty) into an anatomically correct position. In the middle ear, otopexy can stabilize ossicular chains or implants in order to optimize sound conduction. The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed under microscopic control. Postoperative monitoring ensures 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 in place. It ensures optimal sound, prevents feedback and offers comfort by adapting precisely to individual ear geometry. Earmolds are manufactured on the basis of an ear impression and regularly reworked to ensure fit and seal. Different designs (open, closed) influence ventilation and acoustic properties. Cleaning and care are essential to prevent material ageing and cerumen build-up.

Otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat medicine) is the surgical-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 as well as tumors in the head and neck area. ENT specialists carry out endoscopic examinations, microsurgical procedures and implantations. Interdisciplinary collaboration with neurology, dentistry and oncology is common. Further training includes otology, rhinology, phoniatrics and pedaudiology.

Otosclerosis is a bony neoplasm at the stapes or incus foot that leads to stiffening of the ossicular chain and conductive hearing loss. Initially, those affected often experience tinnitus and slight hearing loss, later a typical flattening of the air conduction curve develops in the audiogram. Treatment consists of stapedotomy with implantation of a prosthesis 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 gains of up to 30 dB.

Otoscopy is the visual examination of the external auditory canal and the eardrum using an otoscope. It enables the assessment of skin, cerumen, signs of inflammation, perforations and foreign bodies. Pneumatic otoscopy also tests eardrum mobility when pressure is changed. It is a basic component 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 level. It includes a description of the location, size and morphology of pathologies as well as functional tests such as pneumatic eardrum mobility. Standardized diagnostic forms ensure comparability and follow-up. Deviations from standard findings trigger targeted therapies, e.g. antibiotics for otitis or surgery for cholesteatoma. Regular check-ups are essential for chronic middle ear diseases.