Your ENT Health

Ear Health: Common Diagnoses

The two most common causes of earaches are the infection of the outer ear (the otitis externa) and the infection of the middle ear (the otitis media). These infections are named after the sections of the ear they affect.

Otitis Externa

This is a skin infection of the outer ear or ear canal that can occur in hot humid weather, after swimming or after a minor scrape on the inside of the ear (sometimes caused by inserting a swab or paper clip to clean the ear). Bacteria forms in the ear and can cause the infection. When caused by swimming, it is called “swimmer’s ear”.

Otitis Media

This is an infection of the middle ear and eardrum. While very common in infants and children (6months to 2 years), it can also affect older children and adults. There can be many causes for this infection that can include:

  • Colds or upper respiratory tract infections. These cause swelling at the back of the nose where the ear normally drains. They can also affect the eustachian tube that helps to regulate pressure and drain fluids from the ear. If the eustachian tube does not function properly, fluid can become trapped behind the eardrum. If bacteria grow in the fluid, infection occurs.
  • Allergies
  • Daycare because of the numbers of toddlers receiving care in a relatively confined area which can enhance the spread of contagious bacteria and viruses.
  • Second hand exposure to smoke since it is an irritant
  • Bottle rather than breast feeding
  • Family history of ear infections
  • Malformations of the head and neck area

Otosclerosis

Gradual hearing loss is the most frequent symptom of otosclerosis. The condition, which can be genetic, can begin at any time between the ages of 15 and 45. In most cases, however, it begins in the early 20’s. It can develop in both women and men, and is particularly troublesome for pregnant women. For unknown reasons these women often experience a rapid decrease in hearing when afflicted with the condition. Individuals with otosclerosis will first notice that they cannot hear low-pitched sounds or whispers. Other symptoms can include:

  • dizziness
  • balance problems
  • a sensation of ringing, roaring, buzzing, or hissing in the ears or head (known as tinnitus)