Ear conditions

Our ear is a delicate organ. It consists of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear, each of which has a specific structure and function that are crucial for hearing. That is why it is so important to keep our ears healthy at all times.

We would like to provide you with an overview of various ear conditions, explain their symptoms and causes, and offer tips on prevention and treatment.

An overview of ear conditions

Like any other organ in or on the human body, the ear can also fall ill or suffer injuries in a wide variety of ways. These conditions and their associated symptoms may be temporary, but they can also become chronic. In the worst-case scenario, they can cause permanent damage to the ears and lead to hearing problems or even hearing loss.

Below you will find a few of the most common ear conditions.

Common ear conditions

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

One of the best-known ear conditions is middle ear infection. Doctors also refer to it as ‘otitis media’. It occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear and triggers an infection. The middle ear, the space behind the eardrum, contains the ossicles, which play a vital role in hearing. Acute middle ear infection is one of the most common conditions in children and infants, but it can affect people of any age. 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, with the aim of combating the infection and alleviating the symptoms.

Ear canal inflammation (otitis externa)

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

Serous otitis media

Ear effusion occurs when a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube - that is, a problem with ventilation in the ear - leads to a build-up of non-purulent fluid behind the eardrum. Typical symptoms include increasing hearing loss and a feeling of pressure in the ear. Ear effusions occur mainly in children. They can resolve 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.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not actually an ear condition, but 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 individuals affected. They can occur periodically or be constant, and vary in intensity and volume.

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

Sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss is not an ear disease either, but a common hearing disorder that is thought to be caused by illnesses, infections or other factors such as stress. Typical symptoms of sudden hearing loss include a dull sensation in the ear, ringing in the ears, balance problems and earache. Sudden hearing loss can occur regardless of age or gender, but is most common in people aged around 50. Treatment for sudden hearing loss follows a precise diagnosis by a doctor. Medicines containing cortisone are often prescribed to combat inflammation.

Hearing loss and deafness

Hearing loss refers to a reduction in hearing ability, ranging from mild hearing problems through to hearing impairment and deafness. Hearing loss can be temporary, for example due to various ear conditions, or chronic. There are different types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss and mixed hearing loss.

Treatment for hearing loss is always tailored to the individual, depending on the diagnosis and causes. It can involve medication, technical hearing aids or specialised audiotherapy.

Rare ear conditions

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

Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is a unilateral disorder of the inner ear in which an increased build-up of fluid (hydrops) leads to a temporary rise in pressure within the inner ear. This can cause various symptoms in those affected, including hearing problems, vertigo with nausea and vomiting, and tinnitus. Research suggests that this ear condition is at least partly hereditary. It occurs slightly more frequently in women than in men, usually between the ages of 40 and 60.

Treatment for Meniere’s disease usually focuses initially on relieving symptoms, for example with medication for dizziness or vomiting. For long-term management, the drug betahistine or antibiotics are sometimes used. The doctor decides which specific treatment is appropriate.

Cholesteatoma

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

As a rule, a cholesteatoma must be surgically removed to prevent further ear conditions. Alongside this, anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is an ear condition characterised by changes to 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 cases, deafness.

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

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

Diplakusis

Diplakusis is an ear condition also known as “double hearing”. As the name suggests, those affected hear sounds in both ears at different volumes or pitches, and thus hear two sounds instead of one; sometimes these sounds are not simultaneous but occur in succession. It is therefore a hearing disorder. The causes of diplakusis are not yet fully understood. Possible causes include noise-induced hearing loss, an untreated middle ear infection, or blockages in the inner ear, for example due to infections or earwax. As with some other ear conditions, the treatment of diplacusis depends on an accurate diagnosis. If you experience early signs of hearing loss, you should therefore always consult a doctor.

Treatment of ear conditions

An overview of the various ear conditions shows that treatment should always be tailored to the individual and based on the doctor’s specific 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 conditions?

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

For children and infants, it is generally advisable to see a doctor immediately if they have earache or symptoms of an ear infection, to prevent further pain or complications.

Tips for preventing ear conditions

Many, though not all, ear conditions are the result of infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Such infections can be exacerbated by various factors, such as a weakened immune system, water in the ear, or 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:

Proper ear
hygiene Proper care and cleaning of the ears is important to keep bacteria and dirt at bay. At the same time, however, earwax also serves as a natural protection, which is why excessive cleaning can be harmful. Ear cleaning should always be gentle to avoid injuring the ear canals. The use of cotton buds should be avoided.

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

Protecting 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
check-ups To detect any potential hearing problems or ear conditions at an early stage, you should visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. You should also see a doctor as soon as you notice earache or a decline in your hearing.

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