Ear diseases in children and adults: causes, treatment in Orenburg

The human ear has a complex structure. It consists of three sections, each of which performs its own functions: sound perception, sound conduction and maintaining balance. And if at some stage there is a failure, conditions arise that we call ear diseases. Ear diseases must be treated under the supervision of an ENT doctor, otherwise hearing problems may develop, which will be extremely difficult to eliminate. The causes, symptoms and treatment of ear diseases are the topic of our new article.

The adult ear has a more complex structure than it might seem at first glance. What each of us is accustomed to calling the ear is in fact only the visible part of it. In addition to the outer, there are also middle and inner sections, each of which performs its own significant function.

The external part is the auricle and the external auditory canal. He is responsible for sound perception. The auricle, having caught the sound wave, directs it into the ear canal to the eardrum - the thinnest membrane that receives sound vibrations and separates the outer part from the middle.

When we talk about the middle section of the ear of an adult, we mean the tympanic cavity, located behind the tympanic membrane, and the auditory ossicles, which transmit sound vibrations along a chain from the membrane to the internal section. The middle section of the organ of hearing communicates with the nasopharynx using the auditory (Eustachian) tube. As a result, very often diseases of the nasal cavity of an adult become the cause of ear disease. Therefore, it is necessary to treat disease of the nose and paranasal sinuses in a timely manner so as not to provoke the transition of the inflammatory process to the auditory tube and tympanic cavity.

The internal section (labyrinth) consists of cavities and channels filled with liquid and performs two tasks at once. The inner cochlea perceives sound vibrations coming from the tympanic cavity, and the remaining parts of the labyrinth are responsible for the balance and orientation of an adult in space. Therefore, if you suffer from frequent dizziness, you need to visit an otolaryngologist (it is the otolaryngologist who treats diseases of the organ of hearing), because dizziness is a sign of ear disease in adults.

As you can see, the human ear is a complex system that works according to a certain pattern. And if at some stage there is a failure, conditions develop that we call ear diseases.

If the first symptoms of the disease are not recognized in a timely manner and the ears are not treated, ear diseases in an adult can cause serious hearing problems, including deafness.

What ear diseases exist in adults? What signs of ear disease should you immediately pay attention to? What reasons can trigger the development of the disease in an adult? How to treat them correctly? Let's figure it out together. The topic of our new article: “Causes, symptoms, treatment of ear diseases in adults.

Deaf-mute

Develops as a result of congenital or acquired (up to 3 years) deafness. Congenital occurs in the embryonic state under the influence of harmful factors affecting the fetus during pregnancy (viral diseases, syphilis, toxic substances, medications, vitamin deficiencies, etc.). There are hereditary forms that are combined with malformations of the inner and middle ear. Acquired forms are more common and can be the result of previous infections or ototoxic drugs. Dumbness develops as a consequence of deafness. Treatment. Ineffective. The main concern is the teaching of verbal speech in special institutions. With the help of modern techniques, good social rehabilitation can be achieved.

Sudden deafness

Most often it occurs due to vascular disorders (hemorrhage, thrombosis, embolism, vascular spasm) and viral infections. Occurs in blood diseases, syphilis, diabetes, skull injuries, tumors of the auditory nerve, etc. Treatment. Emergency hospitalization in the intensive care unit in order to establish an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment, intravenous administration of medications. For complete hearing restoration, the prognosis is most likely unfavorable. But if you consult an otolaryngologist in a timely manner, complete hearing loss can be avoided.

Otomycosis

Ear diseases are caused by the development of various types of mold and yeast fungi on the walls of the external auditory canal. The occurrence is facilitated by skin irritation due to prolonged moisture, previous purulent otitis media, and irrational use of antibiotics and hormones. Symptoms and course. Inflammation of the skin in the ear canal area, itching, pain, moderate liquid discharge from the ear of yellow, dirty black, gray-green color, depending on the type of fungus. Recognition. When examining the ear and microscopic examination of the discharge, the Orenburg ENT Clinic also performs microflora culture to determine the type of pathogen and sensitivity to antifungal drugs. Treatment. Toilet the ear, rinse with a 3% solution of boric acid, rinse with a 10% solution of silver nitrate, antifungal agents (nitrofungin, canesten). If treatment is ineffective for more than 7 days, contact an otolaryngologist. Prognosis : in case of ineffective treatment: long-term course with exacerbations. Candidiasis of the ear. A type of otomycosis caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida. Usually occurs after long-term use of antibiotics. Treatment. Antifungal antibiotics (nystatin, levorin, griseofulvin, nizoral) orally. Locally - 0.1% alcohol solution of quinosol. If treatment is ineffective for more than 5 days, contact an otolaryngologist.

Labyrinthitis

The inflammatory process of the inner ear can be acute and chronic. The infection enters the inner ear (cochlea) in various ways. Through the middle ear - for purulent inflammation, through the meninges - for meningitis, through the blood - for various infections. Symptoms and course. Dizziness, imbalance, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (involuntary sideways movements of the eyeball). Treatment. In all cases, urgent hospitalization is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. Depending on the form of the disease, treatment can be either conservative or surgical. Prognosis: in some cases - questionable, depends on the severity of the disease and the time that has passed from the onset of the disease to contacting an otolaryngologist.

Ear diseases

People of any age and profession are susceptible to ear diseases. The only difference is that someone gets to see a doctor more often. For example, people working in a noisy place (construction site, club, concert hall), water sports enthusiasts, patients with chronic and congenital hearing and ear pathologies.

Ear diseases are divided into types due to their appearance:

congenital - the disease is associated with an anatomical or physiological deformation in the development of any of the three parts of the ear. This pathology may be hereditary or the result of a developmental disorder;
traumatic – consequences of injury: a loud sharp sound, mechanical damage to the eardrum during ear cleaning;
infectious - the result of the activity of fungi, bacteria and viruses that enter the ear canal through the outer ear or through the bloodstream in the presence of inflammatory diseases.

Ear diseases and their symptoms are so varied that self-diagnosis is very dangerous.

The course of diseases has two forms: acute and chronic. The acute form is characterized by a sharp onset of symptoms and sudden attacks of pain, forcing immediate medical attention. The chronic form can accompany the patient for years and develops as a result of incorrect or late treatment.

Mastoiditis

Inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone, in the thickness of which there are air cells that communicate with the cavity of the middle ear. It usually occurs as a complication of acute otitis media and is caused by the same pathogen. With mastoiditis, a purulent process develops in the cells of the appendix, which poses a risk of intracranial complications (meningitis) due to the anatomically close location of the sinuses and meninges. Symptoms and course. Common signs of mastoiditis are fever, headache, changes in blood tests. Local - pain in the ear area, often pulsating, suppuration, protrusion of the auricle, swelling and redness in the area behind the ear. When pressing on the appendage (behind the ear), sharp pain is detected. Recognition. Based on a characteristic clinic, examination of the eardrum and behind the ear area. X-ray examination and diagnostic paracentesis (puncture of the eardrum) are of great importance. Complications: meningitis, facial nerve paralysis, purulent leaks in the neck, abscesses in the postauricular area. Treatment. Conservative treatment is aimed at ensuring a good outflow of pus from the middle ear cavity and combating inflammation and purulent infection (see Purulent otitis media). The indication for surgical intervention is the presence of complications and the ineffectiveness of the conservative treatment method. The operation consists of opening the mastoid process through an incision in the postauricular area. It is performed under local anesthesia by an experienced otolaryngologist. The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the timeliness of contacting a specialist.

How does the ear work?

Our ear consists of three sections - outer, middle and inner. The outer part - the auricle, ear canal and eardrum - works as a “locator”: it catches sound and transmits it further to the middle part.

The middle section is the tympanic cavity between the eardrum and the opening of the temporal bone. Here are the sound bones that conduct sound to the inner ear: the hammer, the incus, the stirrup. They alternately transmit sound waves generated by vibrations of the eardrum.

The internal section, also known as the inner ear, is formed by the cochlea, a complex system of canals in the temporal bone. Because of this, it is also called the “labyrinth”. The inside of the cochlea is filled with fluid, and the walls have hair cells that convert fluid vibrations into nerve impulses, which are distributed to parts of the brain with the help of the auditory nerve. This allows the brain to determine the position of the body even if there is no visual information.

Meniere's disease

Non-inflammatory disease of the inner ear (can be found as: labyrinthitis). It manifests itself as periodic attacks of dizziness with nausea or vomiting, imbalance, tinnitus and decreased hearing (in one ear), increased irritability from loud sounds. Occurs in people suffering from diseases of individual organs or systems (allergic conditions, hypertension and hypotension, atherosclerosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, hormonal disorders, menopause, various toxicoses, metabolic disorders, nicotine abuse). The mechanism of the disease is not fully understood. It is assumed that it is based on the pathology of metabolic processes in the inner ear. Symptoms and course. Attacks usually do not last long - a few hours or days, rarely weeks. Their frequency is influenced by age, working and living conditions, mental state and other factors. It is characteristic that a sharp disorder of vestibular function returns to normal after the end of the attack, but tinnitus and hearing loss persist and gradually progress in the future. The disease typically affects one ear. Bilateral is very rare. Recognition. The diagnosis is established by characteristic clinical manifestations and hearing test data (audiogram), which can be performed at the City Med Clinic. Treatment. During an attack, bed rest, a salt-free diet, mustard foot baths, and leeches on the mastoid area are recommended. To relieve an acute attack - Syabro powder, consisting of: platyphylline hydrotartrate (0.03-0.05 g), caffeine-sodium benzonate (0.1 g), sodium bromide (0.15 g). To prevent vomiting, chlorpromazine, diphenhydramine, and ephedrine are administered intravenously. In the future, aeron, bellaspon, belloid, dedalon, suprastin, cinnarizine, and sedatives (tranquilizers) are prescribed. In the interictal period - electrophoresis of a 5% calcium chloride solution, physical exercises using a special technique, acupuncture. Alcohol, smoking, exposure to the sun, and swimming in deep waters are prohibited. In a hospital setting, surgical methods are used in combination with cryotherapy and ultrasound. In severe cases, they resort to destruction of the labyrinth of the inner ear. Prognosis: in some cases, hearing can be preserved.

Diseases of the external ear

The auricle mainly suffers from mechanical stress and inflammatory processes. Mechanical impact refers to injuries and improper hygienic cleaning techniques. Both factors often cause the development of external otitis.

People with metabolic disorders often develop boils in the area of the auricle. Attempts to remove it yourself or improper treatment cause complications of the pathology.

Otitis externa is a disease of swimmers, because the ears of water sports enthusiasts experience serious stress due to pressure changes while diving under water. And the water itself, even in a chlorinated pool, is a source and favorable environment for various infections. Therefore, when swimming, it is recommended to protect your ears with special earplugs.

Acoustic neuritis

Damage to the auditory nerve can be caused by inflammation and atrophic changes as a result of various factors. Among the many causes, toxic substances can be identified, including medications (mycin antibiotics, quinine), various infections (influenza, brucellosis, etc.), diseases of the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, metabolic disorders, prolonged irritation by noise, damage to the middle and internal organs. ear. The pathological process may involve various parts of the auditory nerve, in which irreversible atrophic changes occur. Symptoms and course. Tinnitus, varying in intensity and frequency. Hearing loss - similar to deterioration in the perception of high sounds - is progressive. Sometimes complete deafness develops within a few days or even hours. Recognition. An audiological study reveals the nature of hearing damage and consists of determining the thresholds of hearing sounds of various frequencies - for air and bone conduction. With neuritis, conductivity through the bone decreases; in the presence of pathology, air conduction decreases in the middle ear. Then they talk about a mixed form of hearing loss. Treatment. In acute neuritis, the time factor is of great importance. If treatment is started in the first days, hearing loss can be prevented. Therefore, if noise in the ear occurs, you should immediately contact the ENT office. In the acute stage - hospitalization. Treatment involves increasing the blood supply to the auditory nerve. To remove toxins that cause the disease, laxatives, diaphoretics, and diuretics are used. The most effective medications are those that improve blood microcirculation, detoxification, vasodilators, vitamins, and biostimulants. The drugs are administered by drip, intravenously, daily. A good effect is achieved in the first week when using a pressure chamber; acupuncture can be considered an additional method. For repeated, chronic forms, treatment is outpatient: aimed at stopping the process of death of the auditory nerve. Patients with hearing loss are advised to undergo hearing aids - a selection of hearing aids.

Ear pain: causes

Ear diseases are a common problem that many people experience, regardless of age. Such pathologies can be caused by a large number of reasons. Each disease requires a different approach to treat. For this reason, there is a danger in self-diagnosis of the disease and treatment. If you experience ear pain, the first thing to do is consult a doctor.

Pain in the outer ear

Practice shows that the main cause of diseases in this department is infections. The outer ear is not protected, so the risk of microorganisms entering is high. But even taking into account this fact, the immune system copes with its functions and neutralizes the threat.

Another reason could be injury. Improper cleaning of the ears, blows and injuries provoke the occurrence and spread of the inflammatory process.

Among the symptoms of damage to the external part are:

Itching in the ear;
Acute pain in the ear;
Movement of the jaws is accompanied by increased pain;
Impact on the sink leads to increased discomfort.

Also, pain in the outer ear can be caused by the following diseases:

Otitis externa. The cause is bacteria;
Furuncle (ulcer);
Injuries. The result of various injuries. Very often, pain in a child’s ear can be caused by foreign objects that children manage to insert into their ears.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that pain in the outer ear may indicate the presence of cerumen, a tumor, or a foreign object. In some cases, such symptoms are characteristic of eczema.

Middle ear pain

This department directly interacts with the outer ear and nasopharynx. For this reason, the disease can be transmitted to the middle ear. Pathological processes developing in the middle ear have a negative impact on the condition and functioning of other organs and tissues.

Among the symptoms indicating the presence of pathology in the middle ear are:

Shooting pain in ear;
Sensation of pulsating in the ear;
Hearing problems in the affected ear;
Distortion of the perception of one's own voice.

Pain in the ear in this area may indicate that the following pathologies are highly likely to develop:

Acute inflammatory processes in the middle ear;
Tumors in the area of the tympanic cavity;
Trauma and disruption of the integrity of the eardrum;
Problems with the functioning of the auditory tube.

In some cases, severe ear pain may occur after going to the pool. The pain spreads both to the outer ear, where the infection could have entered, and to the middle ear, where the pain is caused by strong water pressure when diving to depth.

Problems in the inner ear

In most cases, damage to the inner ear is not accompanied by pain. This significantly complicates the detection of pathologies.

Symptoms of internal disease include:

Problems with coordination arise;
Difficulty maintaining balance;
Nausea;
Extraneous or uncharacteristic sounds in the ears;
Headaches on a regular basis;
Progressive hearing loss;
Dizziness.

The list of common inner ear diseases includes:

Labyrinthitis (infectious and inflammatory process);
Hearing loss (impaired functioning of the apparatus responsible for the perception of sound waves);
Meniere's disease (increased pressure in the labyrinth caused by an increase in labyrinthine fluid);
Otosclerosis (pathological bone growth).

It is important to note that all of the above reasons are relevant for all ages.

Ear pain causes not related to the ears

In some cases, acute pain in the ear can occur without pathological processes in the auditory organs. Pain can be caused by diseases occurring in neighboring organs.

Among such processes occurring in neighboring organs are:

Dental problems;
Trigeminal neuralgia;
Inflammation of ENT organs;
Tumors of the larynx, oral cavity, lower pharyngeal region;
Inflammation in distant organs
Diseases of the esophagus;
Pathologies of the heart and blood vessels (heart attack);
Degenerative pathologies of the cervical vertebrae.

The most optimal solution when you experience ear pain is if you are seen by a paid therapist (Rostov-on-Don) and excludes those diseases that cannot be treated by an ENT doctor, or, on the contrary, refers you to the right specialist in a timely manner.

We must not forget that only a doctor can correctly diagnose and, based on the anamnesis, as well as test results, make a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Otitis catarrhal moderate acute

Acute inflammation of the middle ear is not limited to the tympanic cavity, but involves the auditory tube and cells of the mastoid process, i.e. all cavities of the middle ear. The causative agents of the disease are streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci, etc. They reduce the body's resistance to them - cooling, infectious diseases, kidney diseases, vitamin deficiencies, rickets, diabetes mellitus, etc. Most often, bacteria penetrate into the middle ear from the nasal cavity through the auditory tube at any acute otitis media or during exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane (acute rhinitis, acute respiratory infections, influenza, etc.). Factors that contribute to the spread of infection are improper blowing of the nose (through both nostrils, and not each in turn), sneezing, coughing, which increase the pressure in the nasopharynx, as a result of which the infected mucus forcibly overcomes the barrier, which is the auditory tube. In infants, the development of otitis is predisposed by an anatomically short and wide auditory tube, staying in a horizontal position, and frequent regurgitation. However, in case of infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, etc.), another route is possible - through the blood. Pathological processes in the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx and, above all, adenoid growths that close the mouths of the auditory tubes, support inflammation of the middle ear, contribute to frequent relapses and transition to a chronic form, especially in children. Symptoms and course. Pain, feeling of fullness and congestion in the ear, decreased hearing, noise in the ear. The pain is only sometimes insignificant, but usually strong and gradually increasing, felt in the depths of the ear and radiates to the parietal-temporal or occipital region, sometimes to the teeth. The pain can be throbbing, aching, stabbing, boring, intensifies with increasing pressure in the tympanic cavity (blowing the nose, swallowing, sneezing, coughing) and often deprives a person of sleep, appetite, prevents eating, etc. If otitis media complicates a general infectious disease, then its occurrence is accompanied by a new or even greater increase in temperature. Upon examination, redness of the eardrum is revealed to varying degrees, it is painful when touched with a cotton wick, and in some cases when pressing on the tragus (the symptom is not constant). Reactive inflammatory changes are observed in the blood (leukocytosis, increased ESR). Treatment. Usually at home, if the temperature is elevated, bed rest is recommended. If there are symptoms of an incipient complication (see Mastoiditis), especially intracranial (meningitis), immediate hospitalization is necessary. In the initial stage of the disease, ear pain should be eliminated first. Alcohol 70%, carbolic glycerin, novocaine and other local painkillers, which are instilled into the ear, have an analgesic and therapeutic effect. There are special drops, for example - Otinum. If these funds are not available, you can use regular vodka or sterile oil (vaseline, vegetable, etc.). All medications introduced into the ear canal must be slightly warmed by placing the bottle of medication in a glass of hot water. Drops are poured into the ear canal using a pipette so that they fill it at least half (5-10 drops). Then a turunda (cotton wick) is inserted into the ear canal up to the membrane and left there for a day. When using alcohol solutions, you should, without removing the tampon from the ear canal, pour the medicine into the ear 2-3 times a day. To reduce evaporation, you need to close the ear canal with additional dry cotton wool. At the same time, heat is applied locally in the form of warming semi-alcohol (vodka) compresses, a heating pad, a blue light lamp or physiotherapy (Sollux, UHF). However, it must be remembered that thermal procedures at elevated temperatures can lead to a sharp rise in temperature. Therefore, you must first give an antipyretic (aspirin, analgin, paracetamol, etc.). One of the most important factors in treating otitis media and preventing complications is the speedy restoration of patency of the auditory tube. For this purpose, vasoconstrictors are prescribed for the nose (naphthyzin, galazolin, sanorin, adrenaline, ephedrine). They need to be instilled 3-4 times a day, lying on your side on the side of the instilled half of the nose, 5-6 drops. After vasoconstrictors, bactericidal drops are instilled, for example, protargol 2% or collargol 2%. You should not try to rinse the nasal cavity yourself, especially for children - this can lead to worsening and unfavorable course of otitis media. Antibiotics and sulfonamides often stop the process and quickly eliminate it.

Causes of hearing diseases

One of the factors in the occurrence of ear diseases can be banal hypothermia. You should not stay in a draft or strong wind for a long time. During cold seasons, you should definitely protect your ears from the cold. As a result of hypothermia, pain and suppuration may appear in the ears, which are one of the signals of the appearance of some kind of hearing disease.

Don't forget about ear hygiene. Cotton swabs are often used by people to clean their ears, but using them incorrectly can push wax inside. These incorrect actions lead to the appearance of sulfur plugs. You need to carefully clean the ears from dirt; do not use sharp objects for this.

Infections and viruses that enter the body can often lead to illness.

The ability to hear is a priceless gift that requires careful and reverent treatment. Be healthy and visit an ENT specialist in a timely manner!

Otitis acute external limited

The furuncle of the external auditory canal occurs only in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal, because only here there are sebaceous glands and hair. The mechanism of the disease is based on the penetration of infection into the glands and hair follicles when they pick the ears with a fingernail or various objects, especially during suppuration. It also occurs as a manifestation of general furunculosis in diabetes mellitus, hypovitaminosis, etc. Symptoms and course. Severe pain in the ear, especially when pressing on the place where the auricle is attached. Sometimes the pain takes on a jerking character. Then a swelling of the skin appears in the parotid area. As the boil matures, inflammation increases and spontaneous opening occurs, most often into the ear canal. In this case, swelling of the tissues around the ear may occur and spread to the back surface of the auricle and the area behind the ear. The lymph nodes behind the ear become enlarged and painful. Recognition. The diagnosis is usually made upon examination, but sometimes a boil can be confused with a dangerous complication of otitis media (see Mastoiditis). Treatment. Gauze turundas moistened with syntomycin, streptocide, chloramphenicol emulsion are inserted into the external auditory canal. Heat to the ear area in the form of a warming semi-alcohol compress, physiotherapy (Sollux, UHF). General treatment is antibiotics, sulfonamides, vitamins. When purulent inflammation of surrounding tissues develops, surgical treatment is indicated.

What is “possible” and what is absolutely “not” for ear pain

If a child has ear pain, it is recommended to visit a doctor as an emergency. If you need an ENT doctor, you can make an appointment with him in our clinic.

How to reduce pain?

Folk remedies:

Ammonia with camphor. The solutions are mixed. Gauze is dipped in the solution and placed in the ear for a few minutes, this allows you to get rid of pain;
Decoction based on onions. Another way to get rid of pain. A warm decoction is used to wipe the auricle and ear canal. The result is a disinfecting effect and pain reduction.

An alternative option is to take a pain reliever. In some cases, the use of vasoconstrictor drops is allowed.

What not to do?

Warm up the ear. This action may spread the infection;
Taking antibiotics. This approach is ineffective and can cause damage to nerve endings;
Use of medications “as advised.” The use of drops is prescribed only by a doctor based on examination and test data. Only a doctor will help resolve the issue of prescribing the optimal course of treatment for a child and an adult, taking into account the specifics of the clinical picture.
“Folk” methods of a radical nature.

Our Heratsi Medical Center employs only experienced doctors with high professional training. We have high-precision equipment: an expert-class ultrasound machine, our own laboratory for working with analyses.

The cost of all services of the medical center can be viewed in the “Price” section or by calling the 24-hour hotline.

Acute external diffuse otitis (diffuse external otitis).

With this form of otitis, the inflammatory process spreads to the skin of the bony part of the external auditory canal, deep into the skin, subcutaneous layer and often to the eardrum. The causes may be mechanical and chemical trauma, thermal (burn), followed by the introduction of a wide variety of infections. With persistent otitis media there are often fungal infections. Symptoms and course. Swelling and redness of the skin of the ear canal, peeling, weeping, mucous or purulent discharge. The sharp pain at first gives way to severe itching and a feeling of stuffiness in the ear. Recognition. Based on complaints, examination, hearing audiogram. Sometimes culture of pus and testing for fungi is necessary. Treatment. Diet (exclusion of hot and spicy dishes), food rich in vitamins, antiallergic drugs (suprastin, tavegil, diphenhydramine), rinsing the ear with a warm solution of rivanol (1:5000), lubricating with a 3-5% solution of silver nitrate, 1-2% alcohol solution brilliant green. Ointments of hydrocortisone, oxycort and prednisolone provide a good anti-inflammatory effect. Among the common means that increase the body's defenses, autohemotherapy, B vitamins, and ascorbic acid are rational. In severe cases, antibiotics and sulfonamides are used.

Symptoms of diseases

As practice shows, adults, having noticed the first sign of illness, do not rush to see an ENT doctor. Some are treated on their own on a whim, while others do not undergo treatment at all in the hope that it will go away on its own and that they will be able to endure the disease on their feet. Both approaches are initially incorrect, since the lack of full-fledged qualified treatment can cause serious health consequences.

Symptoms of the disease may vary depending on the diagnosis, but there are characteristic symptoms that can help you determine when it’s time to visit a doctor. These symptoms include:

pain - it can be of varying degrees of intensity, but most often the pain sensations are very pronounced; a sick person characterizes it as an acute, shooting pain that cannot be tolerated;
itching both inside and outside;
hearing loss;
mucous or purulent discharge from the ears;
increased body temperature (this symptom is a sign of ongoing inflammation in the body);
swelling, redness of the ear;
nausea;
dizziness.

If these symptoms appear, you need to contact an otolaryngologist: only diagnostics will determine what caused this condition, and, if the problem is the functioning of the hearing organ, the ENT doctor will tell you how to effectively treat it.

Otitis media adhesive

The disease is a consequence of prolonged fluid retention in the middle ear cavity due to inflammation and disruption of the patency of the auditory tubes connecting the cavities of the middle ear and nose. As a result of the process, dense connective tissue, adhesions, and adhesions are formed, limiting the mobility of the auditory ossicles and leading to a decrease in air conduction of sounds. Symptoms and course. Persistent and progressive hearing loss, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus. Treatment. Elimination of upper respiratory tract diseases. To improve the patency of the auditory tubes, blowing the ears in combination with pneumatic massage of the eardrum. Medicines that promote the resorption of adhesions are introduced directly into the tympanic cavity through the auditory tube and using electrophoresis (lidase, chymotrypsin). In case of severe hearing loss that is not amenable to conservative treatment, surgical dissection of adhesions is performed and the auditory ossicles are replaced with polyethylene prostheses. For rehabilitation at the City Med Clinic Orenburg, hearing aids are selected.

Inner ear diseases

Pathologies of the inner ear are associated with damage to the auditory or vestibular system. They are accompanied by decreased hearing acuity and loss of balance.

Symptoms of inner ear disease:

noise in ears;
attacks of dizziness;
weakness.

If the disease is of infectious origin, then the inflammatory process soon begins. It is dangerous because the inner ear is directly connected to the skull, so the next area of damage is the brain. But this can happen if the patient does not seek help for a long time and self-medicates, that is, he allows the disease to become severe. Then surgical intervention and prosthetics are prescribed in order to preserve the remaining hearing. In other cases, drug therapy has worked well.

Otitis media acute purulent (perforated)

It is the result of an unfavorable course of catarrhal otitis media. The reasons for this are the same. Symptoms and course. Increasing ear pain, fever for several days, symptoms of intoxication (pallor, weakness, fatigue), purulent discharge from the ear. The appearance of pus indicates its breakthrough through the eardrum and brings relief to the patient. The most favorable course of purulent otitis occurs if, without waiting for an independent breakthrough, an incision is made on the membrane (paracentesis). Treatment. It is better to carry out in a hospital setting to ensure timely paracentesis and intramuscular antibiotics (penicillin, lincomycin, etc.). Locally - toilet the ear with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide (2-3 times a day) and instillation of antibacterial and bactericidal agents (dioxidine, chloramphenicol, sofradex, etc.). Physiotherapy, vasoconstrictor nasal drops (naphthyzin, galazolin, sanorin, adrenaline, ephedrine). Complications: intracranial - meningitis, local - mastoiditis, hearing loss. Prognosis: possible transition to a chronic form (see Otitis media, purulent chronic).

Inflammatory diseases of the ear. Modern possibilities of prevention and treatment

You can hardly meet a person on Earth whose ears have never hurt. This is due to a huge number of possible causative factors and a variety of painful manifestations on the part of the hearing organ.

Let's start with the fact that the auditory analyzer is anatomically divided into the outer, middle and inner ear, and each section has its own individual painful symptoms.

Outer ear inflammation clinic

The outer ear includes the pinna and the external auditory canal, which consists of a cartilaginous and bony part. Inflammatory diseases that occur in this area are called “otitis externa”. This form of the disease can be diffuse (spread) or limited. An example of limited inflammation would be a boil in the ear canal. This disease is characterized by sharp pain in the ear, especially intensifying when pressing on the auricle or its tragus, as well as when opening the mouth or chewing. The patient notes increasing hearing loss. General phenomena may also occur - weakness, malaise, rise in body temperature. After the boil breaks out, a purulent-bloody discharge occurs, and at the same time all of the above painful symptoms noticeably decrease. Boils are formed as a result of suppuration of the hair follicle when an infection occurs, for example, due to microtrauma, during inaccurate toileting of the ears. It should be remembered that recurrent boils may indicate the existence of other pathological conditions of the body, such as diabetes.

Inflammation in the external auditory canal can be diffuse and widespread. This process often occurs due to a fungal infection, and it tends to last a long time. The patient is bothered by discharge from the ear and itching in the ear canal. If the ear toilet procedure is performed incorrectly, infection can spread to the opposite ear. Treatment of fungal otitis (otomycosis) is quite lengthy, since the disease is quite persistent and protracted. The list of topical antifungal agents is long. An example is the drug clotrimazole, which has a wide spectrum of action against various types of fungi, as well as some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It has no contraindications and is easy to use.

Inflammation of the middle ear in adults

Otherwise, acute inflammation of the middle ear occurs, located behind the eardrum in the depths of the temporal bone. There are three possible ways for infection to enter this area. The most common is the auditory tube, a canal connecting the tympanic cavity to the nasopharynx. Infection can rise along this tract during colds, acute and chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (URT). Many people are familiar with the feeling of stuffiness in the ears during a runny nose, which is due to swelling that has spread to the mucous membrane of the auditory tube. Another way is contact or transtympanic. In this case, infection of the middle ear occurs when the integrity of the eardrum is damaged or ruptured. Such an injury can occur when a foreign body enters the ear canal and is inaccurately removed, when using sharp objects to clean the ear, or when hit (with a ball, an open palm). The third route is hematogenous, that is, through blood vessels. Thus, otitis media occurs due to common infectious diseases (measles, scarlet fever, etc.).

There are three stages of acute otitis media. In the first stage, the eardrum retains its integrity, but behind it, pathological exudate (mucopurulent or purulent) accumulates in the middle ear against the background of inflammation. At this stage of the disease, the main complaint is intractable, severe, shooting pain in the ear. At the same time, hearing decreases. Discharge that accumulates in the middle ear can cause the eardrum to rupture and pus to leak out. The pain noticeably subsides, and the patient’s attention is focused on the discharge from the ear, sometimes mixed with blood. Hearing loss persists. Finally, at the final stage of the disease, the inflammation subsides, suppuration stops, and the perforation of the eardrum begins to close with a scar. It is not at all necessary to go through all three stages. With timely initiation and properly selected treatment, inflammation can and should be stopped at the earliest stages.

Otitis media in children

In children, otitis media proceeds differently than in adults, and due to a number of circumstances requires more attention. Thus, children have a shorter and wider auditory tube, which facilitates the penetration of infection into the middle ear from the nasopharynx, where adenoids are located, which are usually absent in adults. Children are more likely to get colds and at an early age they spend most of their time in a horizontal position, which makes it easier for infection to spread through the auditory tube. Sometimes regurgitation after feeding can lead to otitis media. Measles and scarlet fever are the prerogative of childhood and lead to ear diseases.

Due to the fact that children cannot talk about their suffering, the diagnosis is more difficult to make than in adults. The disease itself proceeds somewhat differently due to the characteristics of children's immunity. In addition, infants have a thicker and stronger eardrum, and it resists purulent melting for a long time and maintains its integrity. However, the pathological contents of the middle ear, not finding a way out through the perforation, can take another path and, having penetrated the cranial cavity, lead to serious brain complications.

Most otitis starts with ARVI

Most often, acute otitis media develops against the background of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). The disease occurs, as a rule, after hypothermia, more often in people who are not hardened, weakened, and susceptible to colds. There are many other factors known that contribute to the frequent occurrence of ARVI. So, despite the significant advances of modern medicine and the ever-increasing arsenal of therapeutic agents and methods, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract remain the most common pathology and account for about 30% of all visits to an otolaryngologist. Medical practice shows that the earlier the correct treatment is started, the more effective its results.

In everyday life, we often encounter a neglectful attitude towards our health, when a person considers all medical measures unnecessary and relies solely on the capabilities of his body, which are often limited. But more often the other extreme occurs. The patient begins haphazard, illiterate treatment, using simultaneously a large number of medications, which often do not combine with each other and are not related to the treatment of the disease that has arisen. The choice of such a line of behavior is greatly facilitated by the excessive and not always correct advertising of medical products, falling from the pages of newspapers and magazines, and the TV screen. Such a vicious “therapeutic tactic” not only does not help alleviate the patient’s condition, but, on the contrary, can lead to the most unexpected complications. Diagnostic errors are also quite common, leading to the use of medications whose action is not aimed at an actual disease.

ARVI is a disease represented by a complex of general and local symptoms. Common painful manifestations include weakness, malaise, headache, decreased performance, and sometimes increased body temperature. Local symptoms cover all parts of the upper respiratory tract and are well known to practicing physicians. In uncomplicated cases, the duration of the disease does not exceed 4-5 days. However, in the presence of various aggravating circumstances or with improper treatment, the disease can last much longer, and sometimes lead to the formation of complications from other organs or to chronicity of the process. Logical tactics between the doctor and the patient can avoid this. Acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract are the most common pathology among the population of all ages and different climatic zones. Enormous economic damage is caused by a large number of days of disability due to these so-called colds; they rank first in the world in terms of their social consequences. According to some data, 90-92% of the entire population suffers acute inflammation of the initial parts of the respiratory tract at least once a year, and the number of such patients is not decreasing, despite the constantly growing arsenal of modern treatment methods. The basis of the disease, as a rule, is a decrease in local immunity against the background of exposure to unfavorable physical and chemical environmental factors and the activation of saprophytic and pathogenic microorganisms. Promotes the development of the disease and a tendency to various allergic manifestations.

The disease can progress!

Unfortunately, the modern rhythm of life does not allow the vast majority of sick people to remain at home; they are forced to undergo treatment without interrupting their usual activities.

The main preventive measures for acute otitis media are the prevention and timely treatment of colds, sanitization of the paranasal sinuses in acute and chronic sinusitis, learning to blow the nose correctly (alternately the right and left halves of the nose), careful toileting of the ears, refusal of air travel in case of inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and general health activities.

An unfavorable outcome of acute otitis media is its chronicity. This pathological condition is characterized by persistent, non-healing perforation of the eardrum, suppuration from the ears, and hearing loss. The disease can progress to damage the inner ear, which can result in hearing loss and vestibular disorders.

General principles of treatment

Treatment of acute otitis media should be a complex of adequate therapeutic measures, which can be divided into local and general.

Local ones include, firstly, the use of vasoconstrictor drops, which must be instilled into the nose with the head thrown back. This ensures a reduction in swelling in the area of the nasopharyngeal mouth of the auditory tube and restoration of its ventilation and drainage functions.

Local drugs administered into the ear canal must have the following pharmacological properties: anti-inflammatory effect, antibacterial and antifungal, antiallergic and analgesic effects. In medical practice, single-component (possessing one of the above properties) and multi-component, combined drugs are used. Most of the drugs used in otorhinolaryngology to combat inflammatory processes in the ear have certain restrictions on their use. They are focused either on combating fungal flora, or on certain types of bacteria. Many researchers are inclined to believe that inflammatory processes in the ear are often provoked by bacterial-bacterial and bacterial-fungal associations. This circumstance allows us to count on the high therapeutic effectiveness of local drugs with an expanded spectrum of antimicrobial and antifungal activity.

In some cases, especially with severe and protracted otitis, it is necessary to resort to systemic antibiotics. The choice of drug is usually based on an analysis of the epidemiological situation, the characteristics of the clinical picture and severity of the disease, the age of patients and the presence of concomitant diseases, information about previous antibacterial therapy and drug tolerance.

If you need antibiotics

An antibiotic used for the treatment of otitis must have the following properties:

wide spectrum of bactericidal action;
high activity against most of the most likely pathogens;
low toxicity;
ease of administration;
optimal price-performance ratio;

good penetration into the site of inflammation, both into cells and into extracellular structures, since it is known that many bacteria and other microorganisms penetrate well or spend part of their life cycle inside cells and sometimes become inaccessible to the antibiotic.

The range of significant pathogens and the nature of their antibiotic resistance are currently such that the drugs of choice for the treatment of acute otitis media at the present stage are lactams, macrolides and fluoroquinolones.

Among penicillins, semisynthetic representatives retain their importance at this stage, in particular amoxicillin, which is widely used in otorhinolaryngology. It is currently not recommended in countries with a high prevalence of lactamase-producing microorganisms. An alternative to amoxicillin, especially in recurrent processes, is amoxicillin/clavulanate, a combination drug consisting of amoxicillin and the lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid.

Cephalosporins, which have occupied a leading position among antibiotics for 40 years, are also quite effective in the treatment of sinusitis. The advantages that explain such longevity are:

high selectivity of action on prokaryotic cells and associated safety of use in newborns and pregnant women;
lower allergenic potential compared to penicillins;
rapid bactericidal effect.

Some oral cephalosporins of the 2nd-3rd generations have also proven themselves well as drugs with a convenient dosage regimen (1-2 times a day), as well as a high level of antibacterial activity, compared with cephalosporins of previous generations, against penicillin-resistant microorganisms. The advantage is the ability to maintain high concentrations of the active substance in the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses.

Second-generation fluoroquinolones are quite widely used in the treatment of severe otitis media, especially in outpatient practice. Without denying the attractive pharmacokinetic properties of this class, it should be noted that their disadvantage is the relatively high cost of treatment and the impossibility of use in pregnant women, children and adolescents.

New macrolides have significant advantages over representatives of previous generations, in particular, erythromycin: high stability in an acidic environment, less dependence of bioavailability on food intake, good tolerability. Traditionally, in the presence of an allergy to lactams, macrolides are the drugs of choice.

New macrolides remain highly active against the main causative agents of inflammatory processes in the outer and middle ear, have a long half-life, provide higher concentrations in tissues and body fluids, and are characterized by a convenient dosage regimen (1-2 times a day).

Despite a fairly large arsenal of medications for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the ear, prescribing them independently, without qualified medical advice, is inappropriate and even harmful. This is due, first of all, to the fact that based on complaints alone, without otoscopy and without bacteriological examination, it is impossible to establish the nature of the disease, and, consequently, to choose the correct treatment tactics. It is important to remember about the possible serious complications of acute and chronic otitis media, which can only be prevented or treated with the help of an otolaryngologist. Attempts at independent, often illiterate treatment can lead to quite severe negative phenomena.

Otitis medium suppurative chronic

It is characterized by persistent perforation of the eardrum, constant or periodically stopping and renewing suppuration and hearing impairment. Most often it develops due to prolonged acute otitis media. The reasons are decreased body resistance, chronic specific and nonspecific infections, diabetes mellitus, rickets, vitamin deficiency, blood diseases, pathology of the upper respiratory tract (adenoids, hypertrophic rhinitis, severe curvature of the nasal septum, chronic sinusitis, etc.). Symptoms and course. Discharge from the ear can be mucous, mucopurulent, and rarely purely purulent; as a rule, it has no odor. Acute, sometimes foul-smelling, occurs when pus is retained in the ear canal (with poor ear care). Hearing loss is usually caused by a disorder of the sound-conducting system. The degree of reduction depends on the integrity of the chain of auditory ossicles of the middle ear and lost mobility due to scarring. Under unfavorable conditions, suppuration can continue for many years, in the absence of complications, causing little concern to patients, since it is not accompanied by pain or fever. With unilateral damage, some do not even notice decreased hearing. With complete cessation of suppuration, a small perforation may close with the formation of a scar on the membrane. Usually hearing is not completely restored. Recognition. Based on medical history and ear examination. Additionally, X-rays of the temporal bones and ear cultures are performed to determine flora and sensitivity to antibiotics. Treatment. Good nutrition, hardening, biostimulants, homeopathy, etc., treatment of general diseases, sanitation of the upper respiratory tract, sometimes surgical. Local therapy comes down to careful and systematic removal of pus and the use of disinfectants and astringents to affect the mucous membrane. In case of heavy discharge, wash the ear with a solution of hydrogen peroxide 3%, ethacridine lactate (1:1000), antibiotics (according to the culture results) and then blow them into the ear in the form of a powder. The use of drugs should be alternated every 12-15 days, because microbes become resistant to drugs. Antibiotics are administered intramuscularly only in cases of exacerbation and ineffectiveness of local treatment. As physiotherapy - ultraviolet irradiation through a tube, UHF, laser radiation, mud therapy. In the presence of granulations and polyps, minor surgical operations are resorted to. Complications: intracranial - meningitis, local - mastoiditis, hearing loss, granulations, polyps.

Prevention of ear disease

There is no complete hearing organ prosthesis, so it is important to preserve what is given by nature:

wear hats in cold and windy weather;
For hygienic cleaning of the ears, it is better to contact an ENT specialist, because cotton swabs, pencils, matches, paper clips will only thicken the cerumen secretions and thereby help the formation of a cerumen plug at the eardrum. Our ear is capable of cleaning itself from waste, but our actions only interfere with this;
when working with loud sounds or music, you should wear special sound-absorbing headphones or earplugs;
diseases of the throat and nasopharynx need to be treated further - they easily spread to the hearing organs;
Preventive visits to an otolaryngologist will help detect changes and ear diseases at the earliest stages.

You should not resort to self-medication or traditional medicine - the hearing organs are so complex in their structure that any incorrect action can lead to deafness.

Otomycosis

The disease is caused by the development of various types of mold and yeast fungi on the walls of the external auditory canal. The occurrence is facilitated by skin irritation due to prolonged moisture, previous purulent otitis media, and irrational use of antibiotics and hormones. Symptoms and course. Inflammation of the skin, itching, pain, moderate liquid discharge of yellow, dirty black, gray-green color, depending on the type of fungus. Recognition. When examining the ear and microscopic examination of the discharge. Treatment. Toilet the ear, rinse with a 3% solution of boric acid, rinse with a 10% solution of silver nitrate, antifungal agents (nitrofungin, canesten). The prognosis is a long course with exacerbations. Candidiasis of the ear. A type of otomycosis caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida. Usually occurs after long-term use of antibiotics. Treatment. Antifungal antibiotics (nystatin, levorin, griseofulvin, nizoral) orally. Locally - 0.1% alcohol solution of quinosol.

Otosclerosis

A peculiar dystrophic disease of the ear, mainly affecting the bone capsule of the labyrinth. The causes are unknown. It is more common in women, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Symptoms and course. Progressive loss of conductive hearing, tinnitus and a number of metabolic disorders. The first clinical symptoms usually appear at the age of 16-20 years. Hearing loss occurs unnoticeably, then gradually increases in one ear first. Decreased hearing in the other ear is detected only after several months or even years. Over time, hearing loss may occur due to the type of sound perception (neuritis). Recognition. It consists of complaints, examination, and hearing tests (audiogram). Treatment. Conservative can only lead to a decrease in noise. If hearing decreases by 30-35 dB, surgery is indicated, as a result of which hearing improvement occurs in 80-90% of patients.

Sulfur plug

Ear diseases that develop due to increased secretion of sulfur glands. It consists of sulfur, secretions of the sebaceous glands, flakes of loose skin, and cholesterol. Normally, they are removed by movements of the anterior wall of the ear canal during conversation and chewing. The delay is facilitated by the narrowness and tortuosity of the ear canal and the increased viscosity of sulfur. The color of sulfur plug is from yellow to dark brown. The consistency is initially soft, waxy, then dense and even rocky. Symptoms and course. The plug can reach large sizes, but if there is at least a narrow gap between it and the wall of the ear canal, hearing remains normal. However, it is enough to get a small amount of water into the ear, and the wax swells and suddenly the hearing decreases sharply, a feeling of stuffiness occurs, and sometimes noise in the ear. The plug can put pressure on the eardrum and cause reflex headaches, dizziness, coughing, and nausea. Recognition is based on complaints, examination of the ear, in some cases an endoscopic examination is necessary, since if perforation of the eardrum is suspected, ear rinsing is prohibited. Treatment. The cork is washed out with warm purified water. At the ENT Clinic in Orenburg, an ENT combine is used for this purpose. If you nevertheless decide to rinse the ear plug yourself, before doing this, you need to make sure that there was no pus flowing from the ear previously, i.e., that the integrity of the membrane is not broken. In such cases, the plug is removed using special tools. Rinsing should be done with warm water (37C) so as not to cause dizziness and nausea. The jet from the syringe is directed along the back wall of the ear canal, pulling the pinna backwards and upwards. If the jet is strong enough, the cork is washed out entirely or in parts. The ear is then dried with a cotton wick. If the procedure does not produce a noticeable result, then the sulfur is softened by instilling alkaline drops or a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Prevention. To prevent the formation of a plug, you should not remove earwax with cotton swabs or the tip of a rolled towel, as this pushes earwax deeper into the ear canal. In addition, the use of sharp objects can lead to injury to the membrane and walls of the ear canal.

Causes of ear diseases

Ear diseases often appear due to hypothermia. Strong wind or a slight draft - all this can lead to pain in the ear and, as a result, diseases of the hearing organs. During cold seasons, you should definitely protect your ears from the cold.

You should know about the rules of ear hygiene. It is better not to use cotton swabs to clean the ear canal. This can push the sulfur deeper, and this will lead to the formation of sulfur plugs. You need to be careful when cleaning the ears from dirt; cleaning with sharp objects is prohibited.

Infections and viral pathologies are also the reason why ear diseases appear.

Hearing is a unique gift of nature. It must be protected throughout life. The ENT doctor at our clinic will help you preserve your hearing and get rid of ear disease in a short time.

Hearing loss

Hearing loss, in which the speech of others is poorly or insufficiently clearly perceived. Causes of hearing loss: chronic purulent otitis media and inflammation of the auditory tube connecting the cavities of the middle ear and nasopharynx, otosclerosis and sclerosis of the tympanic membrane, occlusion of the ear canal, developmental anomalies of the middle ear, consequences of inflammation of the inner ear, damage to the auditory nerve, conduction pathways and the auditory area of the cerebral cortex brain, senile hearing loss. If the sound-conducting apparatus (outer and middle ear) is damaged, appropriate conservative or surgical treatment can significantly improve and sometimes restore hearing. When the sound-receiving apparatus is damaged, hearing loss is irreversible and usually progressive; a severe form bordering on deafness develops. Children who can perceive spoken language at a distance of less than 2 meters must be educated in a special school. With less damage they can study in a regular school. Treatment. General restorative therapy (injections of aloe, FiBS, vitamins B1, etc.). Learning to read lips, exercises to develop auditory perception using special amplification equipment.

Middle ear diseases

Pathologies of the middle ear have different reasons for their appearance, because this anatomical area is connected with the nasopharynx, outer and inner ear, that is, it turns out exactly at the epicenter of events if some pathological process begins in neighboring sections. The middle ear, like a kind of gate, can serve to spread pathology to the tissues of the head and nearby organs. For example, otitis media can lead to facial paralysis or the development of meningitis.

Middle ear diseases are a common occurrence in the clinical picture of children, because in the first years of life most of them suffer from chronic runny nose. In adults, the ears suffer after hypothermia of the head and colds - as a rule, they also reduce hearing.

If the cause of the disease is an infection, then pus accumulates in the ear cavity, which either comes out or moves into the inner ear, bending or rupturing the eardrum.

Inflammatory processes and tumors of the middle ear can lead to irreversible deformation of the three auditory ossicles, which are responsible for converting and transmitting sound to parts of the brain. In this case, the problem can only be solved by prosthetics.

Noise in ears

A common symptom of ear disease. Can be short-term, long-term or permanent. The intensity also varies, often intensifying in a quiet environment. The nature of the noise is extremely diverse: the noise of the forest, the sea surf, the chirping of a grasshopper, etc. It can appear with diseases of any part of the auditory organ: the outer ear (for example, cerumen), the middle ear (various types of otitis), the inner ear (neuritis, diseases of the cochlea) and with central auditory disorders. The noise is especially unbearable in cases of otosclerosis. Recognition. An audiogram to determine the nature of hearing damage. Treatment. Ear noises caused by mild, mostly functional disorders sometimes disappear without any treatment. The correct mode of life and work is of great importance (normal nutrition, sleep, walks in the fresh air, playing sports, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, physical and mental work without stress and in conditions not associated with constant noise, etc. ). When the etiology of ear noise is established, the underlying disease is treated (otosclerosis, cochlear neuritis, Meniere's disease, inflammatory diseases of the ear, hypertension, etc.). Reserpine, neprobamate, vitamin A, bromine preparations, etc. are prescribed. In some cases, electrical stimulation is effective.

Diagnosis and treatment

After conducting a detailed survey of the patient regarding complaints, as well as an external examination to make an accurate diagnosis, the specialist can prescribe the following studies:

ear palpation;
otoscopy;
hearing testing with tuning forks;
speech hearing testing;
assessment of the patency of the auditory tubes;
audiometry;
endoscopic examination;
laboratory research.

Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor will develop an individualized treatment program, which may include medication, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. As a rule, inflammatory ear diseases are treated with local or systemic antibiotics. Typically, patients are also prescribed lavage, application of applications and tampons with medications.

Diseases of a fungal nature are treated after identifying the specific type of pathogen. The doctor will then prescribe a suitable antifungal drug. As a rule, antihistamines are also prescribed at the same time, since most mushrooms are highly allergenic. General strengthening therapy is also carried out to restore the body's defenses.

To treat non-inflammatory ear diseases, our clinic uses various therapeutic methods. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to radically improve the patient's condition.