Ear Conditions – Augusta Health

Augusta Health otolaryngologists, also called otolaryngologists, care for people with a variety of ear conditions, providing treatments that help achieve the best quality of life. Some of the most common conditions we treat are included in this information sheet. If you have any questions about your ears and hearing, we’re here to answer your questions.

Ear conditions and treatments

ear infection

When ear infections occur frequently, they are called chronic infections, may be painful, and may temporarily affect your hearing. When chronic, acute, or severe, untreated ear infections can damage the structures within the ear and lead to permanent hearing loss. Most commonly, these infections occur in the middle of the ear, behind the eardrum. A middle ear infection is also called otitis media.

These types of infections are not contagious. They tend to be more common in the winter because they are often associated with colds or upper respiratory tract infections. Allergies, sinusitis (sinus infection), and ear injuries can also cause ear infections.

If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our ENT specialists. During your visit, your doctor may ask you questions about your symptoms and examine your ears. The ENT will then discuss your condition with you and discuss treatment options with you.

Our ENT specialists often recommend ear tubes for young children with chronic ear infections that are difficult to successfully treat with antibiotics. Ear tubes help drain fluid from the ear, thereby preventing permanent hearing loss. If ear tubes are recommended for your child, your otolaryngologist will discuss the procedure with you in detail. In the meantime, we invite you to watch this video, which may help answer some of your questions.

Earwax buildup

The waxy substance produced by the ear, called cerumen, is designed to trap dust, bacteria, and other small materials, preventing them from entering the ear and causing damage. This substance also protects the delicate and fragile skin inside the ear canal when water enters the ear. Most of the time, earwax moves from the inside of the ear canal to the entrance to the ear. Jaw movements, including eating and talking, can help remove earwax naturally.

However, sometimes earwax can accumulate in the ear and cause a blockage, which is called

Earwax blockage. Symptoms of this condition include:

• irritation or itching
• Earache
• earrings
• Dizziness
• hearing difficulty

Some people’s ears are more prone to wax buildup. For example, people who wear hearing aids or use earplugs or earplugs may be prone to earwax buildup. For some people, genetic factors can lead to excess earwax.

Our experts can determine if a blockage is present during the inspection and can use special instruments to remove any waxy buildup. Typically, this process only takes a few minutes to complete, and the results are immediate.

tinnitus

The cause of tinnitus is unknown, but most people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. Tinnitus is rarely associated with a serious medical problem and is usually not severe enough to interfere with daily life. However, some people find that it affects their mood and their ability to sleep or concentrate. In severe cases, tinnitus can lead to anxiety or depression.

hearing loss

The ear is a flexible but fragile organ. Many factors can cause hearing loss in children and adults, including genetic conditions as well as injury and illness. Generally speaking, the most common causes of hearing loss are:

• Aging; changes in the inner ear that occur over time
• Loud noise can damage inner ear cells
• Earwax blockage
• ear or head injury
• Viral infections and other conditions affecting the ears