Middle Ear Disorders

The middle ear, which connects to the inner ear, is where the eardrum is located. The eardrum is connected to an air-filled chamber by three small bones. The main purpose of the middle ear is to amplify sounds. Middle ear and inner ear disorders are often similar. Often a disorder of the middle ear will cause problems with the inner ear. Hearing loss is caused by problems in the middle ear.

Hearing Loss

• Conducive hearing loss is associated with the middle ear. Anything that blocks or causes problems with the middle ear transmitting sound produces hearing loss. Often the problem is caused by ear wax that builds up and is not removed. Hearing loss is caused by bones of the middle ear that become infected. This causes blockage and new bone growth. Scars and punctures of the middle ear can cause hearing loss too.

  Two more causes of hearing loss connected with the middle ear are fluid buildup and fusion or erosion of the middle ear bones. Hearing loss is treated by surgery and by medications that may help infection. Sometimes hearing aids are prescribed to help with damaged hearing.

Air Pressure Damage to the Middle Ear

• Barotrauma is caused by unequal air pressure on the middle ear. The air pressure is exerted on both sides of the eardrum. The Eustachian tube that connects the eardrum and back of nose maintains equal pressure. It regulates outside air that enters the middle ear in certain situations. For example, when you are in an airplane and it takes off or descends to land, often the pressure affects your ears. If the tube is blocked or damaged, the eardrum bulges inward, causing pain and problems for the person. It often ruptures, causing damage to the middle and inner ear.

  Prevention for this condition is as simple as chewing gum, breathing through the mouth or swallowing when the plane takes off. Additionally, medications that might be prescribed for barotraumas are decongestants, nose drops or spray that relieves congestion.

Ear Drum Preforations

• Eardrum perforations are caused by middle ear infections. The hole causes pain, sometimes bleeding, hearing loss or noises in the ears. Infections in the middle ear and changes in air pressure cause the problem. They are caused by changes in pressure, a slap on the face or head, or chemicals. Sometimes the hole is caused by something someone puts in the ear like cotton swabs or sharp objects used to clean the ears. Symptoms are pain, vertigo, bleeding and hearing loss. A doctor can detect the problem by using a special piece of equipment known as an otoscope. The treatment of the ear involves keeping it dry and prescribing an antibiotic for the treatment of the infection. Ear drops are sometimes administered and surgery is prescribed when the damage does not heal.

Mastodis

• This is an infection that spreads from the middle ear to the bone. Pus may form around the bones of the ear. The infection forms in the mastoid, the prominent bone behind the ear. Symptoms are pain, fever, and white discharge from the ear. The pain tends to be persistent and throbbing. If it is not treated it can result in deafness, blood poisoning and infection of the brain. Treatment is often by antibiotics. A sample of the ear discharge is examined by the doctor in order to prescribe the right antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are prescribed once the person begins to recover.

Acute and Chronic Otitis Media

• Acute otitis media is the result if severe infection or virus in the inner ear. It causes an infection and red eardrum. It is common in children and adults with colds and flu. The infection is often treated with an antibiotic like amoxicillin. Pain relievers are sometimes prescribed for certain symptoms. Sometimes surgery is performed in cases where the ear needs to drain. Infection of the middle ear is the most common reason for pain. Chronic otitis media often is caused by eardrum perforation that never healed correctly. A flare-up occurs during swimming when water enters the ear or person has discharge.