Conditions That Affect the Ears

Due to its sensitive nature and external placement on the body, the ear is an organ that is extremely susceptible to various types of conditions. Some conditions affect only the outer skin of the ear and are, therefore, considered cosmetic problems. More serious conditions affect the inner ear and, as a result, threaten a sufferer's ability to hear. Three of the most common ear conditions are otitis, labyrinthitis and folliculitis.

Otitis

• Otitis is any general type of ear infection or inflammation of the inner or outer ear. Otitis is classified based on what part of the ear it affects, such as "Otitis externa" or "Otitis media." Otitis can be caused by a variety of problems, including an object being stuck in the ear, water (leading to its common nickname of "swimmer's ear") or allergies. Symptoms of otitis include earaches, dizziness and itching in the ear. Most types of otitis can be treated with ear drops or antibiotics.

Labyrinthitis

• Labryinthitis is a more serious disorder of the inner ear (specifically, the vestibulo-cochlear nerve). The primary cause is a viral infection that inflames the inner ear; in more rare circumstances, the cause can be bacterial. Symptoms of labyrinthitis include some form of dizziness (ranging from mild dizziness to extreme vertigo, depending on the extent of the infection) and nausea. Labyrinthitis is treated with a variety of drugs (including Benadryl and Antivert) and steroids. It is important that labyrinthitis be treated quickly because extensive inner ear damage can lead to a loss of hearing.

Folliculitis

• Folliculitis occurs when any type of hair becomes infected with a bacteria (most commonly, the Staphylococcal bacteria). Folliculitis is of particular concern in the ear because the fineness of ear hairs can lead to difficulty in identifying the infection and also cause damage due to the closeness of the ear hairs to the brain. Symptoms of folliculitis include inflamed skin around the ear and constant itchiness. Folliculitis is treated with antibacterial medicine, either orally or applied directly to the ear.