There are many different types of ear disorders that ear nose throat (ENT) doctors treat. Some common ones include:
– Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often caused by bacteria or fungi entering the ear through a cut or scratch in the skin. Symptoms include pain, itching, and discharge from the ear. Otitis externa can usually be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
– Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. It is most common in children but can occur in adults as well. Otitis media is usually caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria. Symptoms include fever, Ear pain, and decreased hearing. Otitis media can often be treated with antibiotics or other medications.
– Serous otitis media: This is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which can often be caused by a viral infection. Symptoms include hearing loss, fullness in the ear and tinnitus. Treatment typically involves the use of oral antibiotics or decongestants.
– Acute otitis media: This is a sudden onset of an inflammation of the middle ear, which is often caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain, fever, hearing loss and discharge from the ear. Treatment options include oral antibiotics, decongestants and antihistamines.
– Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. It is most often caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria or other things such as allergies. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and trouble balancing. Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own, but sometimes it requires treatment with the use of oral antibiotics or steroids. Diagnosis of labyrinthitis is often made through the use of MRI or CT scanning.
– Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. Meniere’s disease is thought to be caused by a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but symptoms can be managed with medication and other treatments. Diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is often made through the use of MRI or CT scanning.
– Otosclerosis: This is a condition that results in the deterioration of the bones in the middle ear, which can often lead to hearing loss. Symptoms include hearing loss and tinnitus. Treatment typically involves surgery.
– Tinnitus is a ringing, roaring, or hissing sound in the ears. It can be caused by many things such as loud noise, earwax build-up, and certain medications. Tinnitus can often be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. If it is severe, tinnitus may require treatment with prescription medications or surgery.
Tympanic membrane perforation: This is a hole in the eardrum, which can often be caused by trauma or infection. Symptoms include pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear. Treatment typically involves the use of oral antibiotics or surgery.
– Cholesteatoma: This is a growth of abnormal tissue in the middle ear, which can often be caused by recurrent infections. Symptoms include hearing loss, fullness in the ear and tinnitus. Treatment typically involves surgery.
– Vestibular neuritis: This is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can often be caused by a viral infection. Symptoms include vertigo and nausea. Treatment typically involves the use of oral antibiotics or steroids.
– Ear wax blockage can cause hearing loss, or lead to an infection of the ear canal, which can cause pain, discharge, and fever. There are a few different ways that doctors perform earwax cleaning. One way is to use a suction device. Another way is to use an ear flush, which is a stream of water that is directed into the ear canal to loosen and remove the ear wax. Earwax removal kits are also available for purchase over-the-counter. Earwax is a common cause of ear disorders. It is important to clean your ears regularly to prevent earwax build-up. You can clean your ears with a washcloth, cotton swab, or earwax removal kit.
– Hearing loss: This is a decrease in the ability to hear sounds. It can be caused by many things, including aging, exposure to loud noise, an infection, or Meniere’s disease. Treatment for hearing loss depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatments include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or surgery.
ENT doctors also treat other less common ear disorders such as cholesteatoma, acoustic neuroma, and vestibular migraines. If you are experiencing any symptoms that concern you, make an appointment to see a doctor to treat your condition.
Prevention of ear disorders can often be achieved by avoiding exposure to loud noise, keeping the ears clean and dry, avoiding trauma to the ears, and treating infections promptly.