
The ear is an extraordinarily intricate and sensitive organ, playing a vital role in both hearing and maintaining balance. However, its complex anatomy can sometimes give rise to congenital conditions that pose unique challenges from birth or make it susceptible to various other issues, such as infections and injuries, which can lead to significant discomfort or hearing impairments. Addressing these problems promptly and effectively is essential for maintaining overall ear health and preventing long-term damage. As a result, your ears require regular attention and proper care to stay healthy.
To care for your ears, you’ll need to always keep them clean and dry and avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises. Should you experience any discomfort, pain, or hearing issues, don’t delay in getting medical attention from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. If you’re based in the country, go immediately to an ENT specialist Singapore residents trust for a proper diagnosis and professional advice. Luckily, the Lion City has been named by Medical Tourism Magazine as one of the best places in the world to seek excellent medical care and ENT surgery from top surgeons.
Being informed about common ear conditions can also help you recognise symptoms early and seek the appropriate treatment before any complications set in. To get you started, let’s explore some common ear diseases and discuss how to treat them effectively:
1) Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
Otitis externa or swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, usually caused by bacteria or fungi. This condition often occurs after swimming or exposure to moisture, which creates an ideal environment for infections.
Ear pain, itching, discharge, and redness are among the most common symptoms of otitis externa. The pain can be particularly intense when touching or pulling on the ear.
If you come down with otitis externa, your doctor will likely prescribe antifungal or antibiotic ear drops to eliminate the infection. In some cases, a healthcare professional may need to clean the ear canal to remove debris and ensure the ear drops can work effectively.
An ENT may also recommend you take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort. Keep your ear dry during the treatment period, and consider using earplugs while swimming going forward to prevent future infections.
2) Glue Ear
Glue ear, medically known as otitis media with effusion (OME), involves the presence of thick, sticky fluid in the middle ear without symptoms of an acute infection. This condition is common in children and often follows an episode of acute otitis media or infection of the middle ear. The fluid can cause hearing difficulties, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and mild discomfort. In children, it may also affect speech and balance.
Treating glue ear often involves a watchful waiting approach, as the condition frequently resolves on its own within a few weeks to months. Autoinflation, a method that uses a special device to open the Eustachian tube and drain the fluid, can also be beneficial to someone suffering from glue ear.
Your doctor may recommend hearing aids if you experience significant hearing loss from this condition. In persistent cases, a minor surgical procedure to insert tympanostomy tubes (grommets) can help drain the fluid and improve hearing.
3) Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition where you perceive a ringing, buzzing, or other noise in one or both ears without an external sound source. This noise can be intermittent or continuous and can vary in loudness.
Rather than being a distinct disease, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying health condition. Age-related hearing loss, circulatory system disorders, and ear injuries can all cause tinnitus. Whatever the cause, it can be a bothersome condition that affects concentration and sleep quality.
Since there’s no direct cure for tinnitus, treatment typically focuses on managing the symptoms. Sound therapy, such as using white noise machines or hearing aids, can help mask the tinnitus and make it less noticeable. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is also effective in helping individuals cope with the distress caused by tinnitus. Ultimately, treating any conditions that might be contributing to tinnitus, such as high blood pressure or ear infections, is the best way to alleviate it.
4) Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is not well understood, but it may be related to abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear. The symptoms can be unpredictable and vary in intensity, which make it a challenging condition to manage.
Healthcare professionals primarily aim to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms when treating Meniere’s disease. Medications to reduce vertigo and nausea, such as meclizine or diazepam, can be helpful during acute attacks.
Dietary changes, such as a low-salt diet, can also reduce fluid retention and help manage discomfort from Meniere’s disease. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, in turn, is sometimes recommended to improve balance and reduce the impact of vertigo. In some cases, steroid injections or other medications injected into the middle ear can provide significant relief to the patient.
5) Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is a condition characterised by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss. This abnormal growth usually affects the stapes, one of the tiny bones in the middle ear, preventing it from vibrating properly and thus impeding the transmission of sound to the inner ear. Otosclerosis often runs in families, which indicates a genetic component, and is more common in women.
There are both surgical and non-surgical options for treating otosclerosis. Hearing aids can help amplify sound and improve hearing. Some doctors prescribe medications such as fluoride, calcium, or vitamin D supplements to slow the progression of the condition, although their effectiveness is still under study.
For those with more severe hearing loss, a surgical procedure called a stapedectomy can restore hearing. Stapedectomies involve replacing the immobilised stapes with a prosthesis.
While the ear is undoubtedly a delicate organ, you’ll have less to worry about as long as you’re vigilant about protecting it. Acquiring comprehensive knowledge of common ear conditions is one of the best things you can do to enjoy better ear health and preventing any long-term complications.