Tympanic Membrane Perforation (Eardrum Hole)

A hole in the eardrum is a relatively common occurence.  The majority of them, particularly ones that are caused by a blow to the ear will heal on their own.  Symptoms can include bleeding and a mild hearing loss after the accident.  Sometimes the eardrum will rupture during an infection and these will also often heal spontaneously.  When the hole does not heal by itself in a reasonable period of time, say 6 weeks, they may require a surgery to repair.  It is possible to live with a hole in the eardrum, but one needs to take precautions to keep water out of the ear to avoid infection and you may notice some decrease in hearing.

 

 

Chronic Otitis Media (Chronic Ear Infection)

When the middle ear is chronically infected, either due to negative pressure or a perforated ear drum, the middle ear bones can be affected.  This can lead to an ear that drains and does not hear well.  Sometimes this condition is caused by cholesteatoma as well.  Often this condition will require surgical correction to remove the infection and disease.

Cholesteatoma (Ear Skin Cyst)

If ear canal skin migrates into the middle ear cavity, a condition call "cholesteatoma" can develop.  Cholesteatoma is simply the skin debris that develops as dead skin builds up.  In the warm, moist ear this debris can become chronically infected.  Over time, a cyst-like condition develops that can destroy the bones of hearing and can lead to serious infections.  Unless the cholesteatoma is small, surgery is usually required to remove the cyst.  Often a second surgery will be performed to re-check for any residual cholesteatoma and to rebuild the hearing bones about 9-12 months after the first operation.

Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a problem specific to the smallest bone of hearing called the stapes ("stirrup").  The stapes is designed to move freely transmitting sounds from the outside world to the inner ear where it is changed into a nerve impulse.  In otosclerosis, the stapes no longer moves freely, decreasing hearing.  There is a surgical proceedure that can correct otosclerosis, or a hearing aid can be used to make the sound louder.

Tinnitus (Head Noise)

Tinnitus is simply the sensation of sound when there is no sound.  Most of the time no specific reason for the tinnitus can be found, although it is commonly seen in people with hearing loss.  It is important to evaluate tinnitus, particularly if it only occurs on one side, as it can be an early symptom of a type of tumor that occurs on the hearing nerve an acoustic neuroma.  Most tinnitus can be controlled by lifestyle modification, but sometimes it is persitently bothersome and requires other treatment.  For more information please see Dr. Weisskopf's article at the Emedicine site.

Otitis Externa (Ear Canal Infection, Swimmers Ear)

This is a common infection that often occurs with exposure to water.  Water becomes trapped in the ear canal leading to the growth of bacteria.  This condition can be caused because of excessive use of Q-tips or other manipulation of the ear canal.  It can be very painful.  Usually it can be treated by careful cleaning of the debris followed by the use of antibiotic ear drops.