ear diseases

Ourearis a sensitive organ. It consists of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear—each with a specific structure and function that is crucial for hearing. That is why it is so important to keep our ears healthy.

In this article, we want to give you an overview of various ear diseases, introduce you to their symptoms and causes, and provide tips for prevention and treatment.

Overview of ear diseases

Like any other organ in or on the human body, the ear can also become diseased or injured in a variety of ways. These diseases and their associated symptoms can be temporary, but they can also become chronic. In the worst case, they can cause permanent damage to the ears and lead to hearing problems or even hearing loss.

Below are some of the most common ear diseases.

Common ear diseases

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

One of the most well-known ear diseases is middleear infection. Doctors also refer to it as "otitis media." It occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear and causes an infection. The middle ear, the space behind the eardrum, contains the ossicles, which play an essential role in hearing. Acute middle ear infection is one of the most common diseases in children and infants, but it can affect people of all ages. Typical symptoms include earache and a feeling of pressure in the ear. In severe cases, it can lead to hearing loss.

Antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics are often used to treat middle ear infections, which are intended to fight the infection and relieve symptoms.

Ear canal inflammation (otitis externa)

Ear canal inflammation is one of the most common causes ofearache, which is often very severe. It can be caused by infections or irritation of the ear canal, for example due to incorrect or excessive cleaning with cotton buds, or by water in the ear (for example when swimming or bathing). Allergic reactions, for example to hair care products, can also lead to ear canal inflammation. Ear canal inflammation is usually treated with ear drops and ointments. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor.

tympanic effusion

A tympanic effusion occurs when a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, i.e., a ventilation disorder in the ear, leads to an accumulation of non-purulent fluid behind the eardrum. Typical symptoms include increasing hearing loss and a feeling of pressure in the ear. Tympanic effusions occur mainly in children. They can improve on their own, usually within a few days or weeks. In some cases, however, treatment is advisable, ranging from decongestant nasal drops to various medications. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.

ringing in the ears

Tinnitusis not actually an ear disease, but rather a symptom. Nevertheless, it is one of the most common complaints affecting the ear. Tinnitus refers to the perception of noises in the ear and head, such as buzzing, whistling, or hissing. However, these noises are only perceived by the affected individuals themselves. They can occur periodically or be permanent and vary in intensity and volume.

To treat tinnitus, the cause must be identified and treated accordingly. For example, hearing aids can help to drown out the noises in the ear.

sudden hearing loss

Suddenhearing lossis not an ear disease, but a common hearing disorder that can occur due to illness, infection, or other factors such as stress. Typical symptoms of sudden hearing loss include a dull feeling in the ear, ringing in the ears, balance problems, and ear pain. Sudden hearing loss can occur regardless of age or gender, but is most common in people around the age of 50. Treatment for sudden hearing loss is determined after a precise diagnosis by a doctor. Cortisone-based medications are often prescribed to combat the inflammation.

Hearing loss and deafness

Hearing loss refers to a reduction in hearing ability, ranging from mild hearing problems to severe hearing loss and deafness. Hearing loss can be temporary, for example due to various ear diseases, or chronic. There are differenttypes of hearing loss, for example conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and combined hearing loss.

The treatment of hearing loss is always individual, depending on the diagnosis and causes. It can be carried out with the help of medication, technical hearing aids, or special audio therapies.

Rare ear diseases

In addition to the common ear diseases listed above, there are a number of rare conditions that can affect the ear and hearing. We would like to introduce a few of them below.

Ménière's disease

Ménière's disease, also known as Morbus Ménière, is a unilateral disorder of the inner ear in which increased fluid accumulation (hydrops) leads to a temporary increase in pressure in the inner ear. This can cause various symptoms in those affected, including hearing problems, dizziness with nausea and vomiting, and tinnitus. Research suggests that this ear disease is at least partially hereditary. It occurs slightly more frequently in women than in men, usually between the ages of 40 and 60.

Treatment for Ménière's disease usually focuses initially on alleviating the symptoms, for example with medication to combat dizziness or vomiting. The drug betahistine or antibiotics are sometimes used for long-term treatment. The doctor will decide which specific therapy is appropriate.

cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma, also known as bone suppuration, is another rare ear disease. It is a purulent inflammation of the middle ear that can be caused by chronic middle ear inflammation, among other things. Another cause of cholesteatoma is damage to the eardrum, which allows skin cells and bacteria to enter the middle ear. Typical symptoms include frequent ear infections and earaches, reduced hearing, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. Those affected also often complain of discharge from the ear canal.

Cholesteatoma usually has to be surgically removed to prevent further ear diseases. In addition, anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor.

otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is an ear disease that causes changes in the bone structures in the inner and middle ear. Bone hardening, growth, and new bone formation impair the transmission of sound from the middle ear to the inner ear. This leads to conductive hearing loss and, in the worst case, deafness.

Otosclerosis usually affects both ears. The disease occurs predominantly in women, typically between the ages of 20 and 50. In 25 to 50 percent of cases, this ear disease is hereditary. Other suspected causes include viral infections, autoimmune reactions in the body, and hormonal influences, although the causes are not yet fully understood.

The only treatment for otosclerosis is surgery. In a procedure known as "stapedotomy," the stapes, the smallest ossicle in the middle ear, is replaced with a prosthesis.

diplakusis

Diplakusis is an ear disorder also known as "double hearing." As the name suggests, those affected hear sounds at different volumes or pitches in each ear, meaning they hear two sounds instead of one, sometimes not simultaneously but offset. It is therefore a hearing disorder. The causes of diplakusis are not yet fully understood. Possible causes include noise damage, untreated middle ear infections, or blockages in the inner ear, for example due to infections orearwax. As with some other ear disorders, the treatment of diplacusis is based on an accurate diagnosis. If you experience early signs of hearing loss, you should always consult a doctor.

Treatment of ear diseases

The overview of the various ear diseases shows that treatment should always be individualized and based on the doctor's diagnosis.

The doctor will ultimately decide whether medication, surgery, hearing aids, implants, or other treatment options are appropriate.

When should you see a doctor for ear problems?

Temporary hearing problems or earaches are not always signs of a serious ear disease. However, you should always see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing pain. If you notice a hearing loss, you should also consult an ENT specialist. Medical advice is also essential if you notice accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), discharge from the ear, or fever.

In children and infants, it is generally recommended to see a doctor immediately if they have earache or symptoms of an ear infection in order to avoid further pain or complications.

Tips for preventing ear diseases

Many, though not all, ear diseases are the result of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Various factors can contribute to such infections, including a weakened immune system, water in the ear, and poor or incorrect ear hygiene. Noise can also be a cause of ear damage.

For this reason, you should try to avoid these factors. The following tips may help you:

Proper ear hygiene
Proper care and cleaning of the ears is important to keep bacteria and dirt away. At the same time, earwax also serves as a natural protection, which is why too much cleaning can be harmful. Cleaning the ears should always be done gently so that the ear canals are not injured. The use of cotton swabs should be avoided.

Avoiding noise
Loud music, traffic, construction sites: constant exposure to noise can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. This damage causes progressive hearing loss. So try to avoid sources of noise or wearhearing protection.

Protect your ears from water
A swimming cap or special earplugs can help prevent water from entering the ear, for example when bathing or swimming.

Regular ear examinations
To detect possible hearing problems or ear diseases at an early stage, you should visit your doctor regularly for preventive checkups. If you notice ear pain or a deterioration in your hearing, you should also see your doctor.

Healthy living
A healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise can help promote general health and thus also ear health. A balanced diet strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infections that can affect the ear.