Ear Diseases
The ear, which consists of three parts, including the outer ear, the inner ear, and the middle ear, is a sensory organ that allows us to hear sounds. Various symptoms may arise with a disorder in any of these three structures, and these symptoms can sometimes have an effect on the whole body. There are various ear diseases depending on their initial forms and structures. The reason for each disease, the area of involvement, and the treatment of the disease vary. Individuals with certain symptoms and complaints should consult an ENT specialist.
What are Ear Diseases and Symptoms?
Ear diseases can be caused by various factors. An infection, dirt accumulated in the ear, exposure to excessively loud noise, or an accident can cause ear diseases. Meniere, one of the most frequently encountered ear diseases, occurs due to the pressure change in the inner ear as a result of exposure of the ear to excessive pressure. Meniere, also known as ear tension, is an inner ear disease, characterized by damaged balance centers located here. Symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus, or difficulty hearing. Although the exact cause of the disease is not specified, it is believed to occur as a result of infection and allergic conditions.
Ear congestion is a common disease in all age groups. It usually occurs not as a result of a disease, but due to the accumulation of earwax. While the ear fluid can normally be excreted, this problem may arise when it cannot be discharged due to various effects. The use of an ear stick for cleaning is the major factor. Ear congestion can cause symptoms such as ear pain and hearing loss.
External and middle ear infections are diseases that usually occur during the summer months. Especially after the holiday, the formation of inflammation in the ear is caused by the bacteria in the dirty pool, sea, or shower water. It is also a condition encountered in those who do not care about ear hygiene. The difference between the two diseases is the affected ear area. Outer ear inflammation symptoms include itching and swelling in the ear, redness, discharge, persistent pain, and hearing loss. In middle ear infections, the symptoms may be more severe. These include irritability, fever, and dark fluid discharge from the ear.
Tinnitus can be caused by ear infections, exposure to loud noise, and trauma. Vertigo, on the other hand, can result from sudden pressure changes, a blow to the ear area, or sudden neck movements. Vertigo, which is called dizziness in society, is a disease that may manifest in acute or chronic form. It may occur as a result of displacements of the ear crystals located in the inner ear and in the balance center, or as a result of blood accumulation in the lower part of the brain. Dizziness is among the symptoms of vertigo, while nausea and vomiting are other symptoms.
Ear Diseases Treatment
In the treatment of diseases such as Meniere’s, the cause of the disease should be addressed. In such cases, the cause of infection or allergy should be eliminated. In case of ear congestion, the accumulated fluid is cleaned with a small intervention during the examination. With this procedure, the patient’s complaints improve. In cases of bacterial infection such as external and middle ear infections, antibiotic treatment is administered and symptoms are relieved by painkillers.
In the treatment of tinnitus, the disease that causes tinnitus should be treated. Tinnitus may become permanent in delayed interventions. In these cases, it is recommended that individuals sleep in a completely silent environment, use anti-tinnitus devices, or seek psychological support when necessary.
Vertigo is usually treated with medication. When necessary, ear crystals are replaced with maneuvers performed by specialist doctors. Vertigo patients should be careful for sudden movements throughout their lives.