In most cases, diseases of the ear manifest themselves either in pain in the area of the ear or in hearing disorders. The causes are manifold. Below you will find an overview and short explanation of the most important diseases of the ear. In the following, you will find the most common diseases of the ear, arranged in order of frequency:
- Diseases of the outer ear
- Diseases of the middle ear
- Diseases of the inner ear
Anatomical division of the ear
The ear is anatomically divided into three sections.
- Outer ear: from the pinna to the eardrum, contains the auditory canal
- Middle ear: contains the tympanic cavity with the ossicles
- Inner ear: contains the organ of balance and the labyrinth
Diseases of the outer ear
Earaches are one of the most common leading symptoms in ENT. They can, for example, be caused by an inflammation of the middle ear or an inflammation of the auditory canal. Nerve irritation can also lead to ear pain.
An ENT specialist can find out the cause of the earache and initiate appropriate therapy. A torn earlobe is usually a harmless little injury. It can either be traumatic or due to other conditions that cause dry skin.
A torn earlobe heals again without therapy. However, if it happens frequently, an underlying disease should be considered and a doctor should be consulted. Also an inflammation of the earlobes is usually harmless and heals by itself.
A common cause is a contact allergy to components of fashion jewelry such as nickel. It is also possible that an injury to the earlobe allows germs to penetrate and cause an inflammation of the earlobe. An inflammation of an ear hole most often occurs shortly after the ear hole has been pierced.
Due to the small injury it is possible that pathogens penetrate the wound and cause an inflammation here. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to hygiene after piercing and to disinfect the new ear hole regularly. In the case of an inflammation of the ear, a distinction can be made between an inflammation of the outer ear and the auditory canal and an inflammation of the middle ear.
In all forms, severe ear pain occurs. An ENT physician can determine the exact cause and localization of the inflammation and initiate the appropriate therapy. A cold in particular often causes swelling of the lymph nodes, even behind the ear.
This is harmless and goes away by itself after a few days. Another cause of swelling behind the ear is the so-called atheroma, a congested sebaceous gland. By the term ringing ear I mean an effusion between the cartilage of the ear and the cartilage skin.
This effusion is usually caused by an external force, such as wrestling. It is very important to relieve the effusion through a small incision, otherwise the cartilage may become inflamed or the ear deformed. Mastoiditis is an inflammation of the mastoid process of the cranial bone.
The symptoms of mastoiditis are ear pain, a painful swelling behind the ear and a reduced general condition. As serious complications can occur, a therapy in hospital is inevitable. Here, antibiotic therapy is initiated via the vein and, if the findings are extensive, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Zoster oticus is an infestation of the seventh and/or eighth cranial nerve with the varicella zoster virus. Since these nerves supply the area of the ear in a sensitive way, the typical painful blisters on the auricle and in the external auditory canal occur. In addition, the patients have fever and a bad general condition.
Antiviral drugs are given as part of an in-patient therapy to avoid complications such as hearing loss. Foreign bodies in the ear are especially common in children. They do not pose any danger, but should still be removed. This can either be carefully tried with tweezers at home. However, if the foreign body has penetrated deeper into the ear, it is recommended to consult a doctor and have the foreign body removed professionally.
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