Numbness in the ear

Introduction

Numbness is a sensory disorder caused by a misdirection of information through the nerve. It can be a tingling sensation (paresthesia), a “formication” or a furry feeling. The misdirection of the nerve can be caused by an irritation or damage of the nerve, which can have many causes. Sensitivity disorders are often accompanied by dysesthesia.

Causes of numbness in the ear

The causes of numbness in the ear can be many and varied. On the one hand, there may be a central cause, in which case the damage to the nerves in the brain is located. On the other hand, the cause can also have a peripheral or local origin.

Here, too, inflammation of the nerve, for example, but also local inflammation may be a possible cause. Finally, sudden deafness is also a possible cause of sensitivity disorders of the ear.

  • Of a stroke,
  • Multiple sclerosis or
  • An inflammation can occur.

A cold often causes a blockage of the nose and in some cases of the sinuses.

Due to this blockage, the middle ear cannot be ventilated properly, so that an inflammation can also develop here. Mild inflammation of the middle ear or irritation of the mucous membranes can cause discomfort and may lead to a feeling of discomfort. Migraine is a form of headache that typically affects one half of the head.

The pain is very severe and is made worse by movement, light and noise. Migraine is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This type of headache lasts a maximum of 72 hours.

Another special feature is the so-called aura. These are symptoms or neurological failures that precede the headache. These may last for a maximum of one hour and can take the form of loss of vision, numbness, for example in the cheek and ear, speech disorders and even paralysis.

If you do not suffer from migraine, the symptoms are unknown or last too long, you should see your doctor immediately. A stroke is caused by a sudden circulatory disorder of the brain and can cause various failures, depending on the location. A common manifestation of a stroke is unilateral paralysis of the face and arm with an accompanying sensitivity disorder in the form of numbness.

Sometimes the leg or speech is also affected. Involvement of the face is often the case. Minor strokes can also exclusively cause sensitivity disorders.

If a stroke is suspected, immediate presentation in an emergency room is very important, as the therapy can only be administered in the first few hours. Inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) can occur as a result of a ventilation problem in the context of a cold. The affected person often suffers from sensations in the area of the ear, which can sometimes extend to the face.

Inflammation of the middle ear causes severe pain and can be accompanied by fever, a general feeling of illness and hearing disorders. In extreme cases, the eardrum may burst after the pain usually subsides. If one suffers from an inflammation of the middle ear, one should consult a physician, since a therapy with antibiotics may be necessary.