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Inner Ear Problems

Inner ear problems can result in pain, hearing loss, or dizziness. There are a number of conditions that may be caused by illness or even aging. Treatments may include antibiotics, hearing aids, or surgery, depending upon either the residual effects or the severity of the problem. Inner ear problems should be diagnosed by a doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can often prevent long-term damage.

  1. Presbycusis

    • Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Sounds and speech may be difficult to understand because they seem to be garbled. It results from slowing down of the nerves that transmit information to and from your brain, as well as the death of hair cells in the cochlea, which is the sensory organ in your ear. In many cases, a hearing aid may be recommended.

    Viral Infections

    • Viral infections such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and influenza can result in hearing loss. The infection reaches the inner ear where hair and nerve endings are destroyed. There is no treatment for these illnesses other than medications to address the symptoms. Any hearing loss that results from these illnesses may be permanent.

    Labyrinthitis

    • Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of your inner ear that usually develops following a bacterial infection of your ear, or following an upper respiratory disorder. If it is caused by a bacterial infection you will need antibiotics. Otherwise, the inflammation may clear up by itself within a few weeks.

    Acoustic Neuroma

    • Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that grows in the canal between your inner ear and your brain. Symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation treatment, or simply monitoring the tumor. If the tumor is left untreated, the pressure can increase on your brain and the situation could become life-threatening.

    Otitis Media

    • Otitis media is a middle ear infection. Like labyrinthitis, it may be viral or bacterial. It is very common in children; according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 75% of children under three years of age will experience at least one infection. The symptoms include pain and fever, loss of balance, and sometimes fluid draining from the ear. Otitis media is treated with antibiotics.

    Ménière's Disease

    • Ménière's disease causes vertigo, hearing loss, and a sensation of pressure in your ear. While the cause is not known, it is believed that it results from a change in the volume of fluid in the labyrinth. Other causes may be environmental or biological factors, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. There is no cure, but changes in diet or certain medications, such as allergy medications or those for circulation, may help with the symptoms.

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