Ear Disorders

Most of what we all know and are aware of is gained through our vision; however, having a well-functioning auditory system is also very important.  If you or a loved one suffers from an ear disorder, it may result in hearing loss and create problems in your everyday routines.  An individual with a significant hearing loss may easily become confused, lose trust in others, and begin to socially isolate themselves from their loved ones and the activities they once loved.

Some conditions of the ear, such as Meniere’s disease, will interfere with balance and coordination.  Other conditions, such as otosclerosis and age-related presbycusis, affect an individual’s ability to give and receive information accurately.  Disorders of the ear can be classified into one of the following categories:

v Conditions affecting the external ear (otitis externa)

v Conditions affecting the middle ear (otitis media)

v Conditions affecting the inner ear (Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis)

v Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

v Ear trauma

Total Home Health has a program that will fit into your lifestyle depending upon which type(s) of ear disorder you may suffer from.  Our professionals will diligently work to adapt your care depending upon your specific needs in order to maintain your safety, promote your independence, and allow you to continue to enjoy the things you love to do!  Following are simple descriptions of various ear problems that you may encounter at some point in your life.  Total Home Health believes in promoting your health and preventing complications, so we encourage you to read on to be prepared if you or your loved one experience any of these conditions.

            Otitis Externa

·      Often referred to as “swimmer’s ear” because it occurs more often in hot, humid environments.

·      May result from an allergic response or inflammation or it may occur from infectious organisms, including bacteria or fungi.

·      This may also occur from bacteria present on telephones and hearing aids that proceeds to make itself at home on your ear.

·      In rare cases otitis externa may be caused by a virus which spreads the infection into the adjacent structures of the brain, which may cause meningitis, brain abscesses, and damage to cranial nerves.

·      Treatment of this condition is aimed at relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling.

·      Topical antibiotics and steroids are the treatments of choice.

·      Systemic antibiotics (oral or intravenous) are used in severe cases.

            Otitis Media

·      Infection of the middle ear that occurs more often in younger children because the tubes in their ears are shorter and wider than in adult ears, which allows bacteria to set in more easily and compromises how well their ears drain.

·      Signs and symptoms of this condition include pain, malaise, fever, vomiting and anorexia.

·      An increase in pressure can actually cause the eardrum (tympanic membrane) to rupture.

·      Rupture of the eardrum leads to a relief of pain and fever, but repeated rupture can lead to scarring of the membrane which will eventually result in hearing loss.

·      Allergies can also cause otitis media from contact with hair spray, cosmetics, earrings, earphones and/or hearing aids.

·      Treatment includes use of systemic antibiotics, analgesics for pain, and most likely antihistamines and decongestants to decrease fluid in the middle ear.

·      Antibiotics are continued for 7 to 10 days to ensure what has caused the ear infection has been completely eliminated.

·      If the eardrum continues to bulge out following antibiotics, a small surgical incision is made in the membrane and a tube will be inserted in order to allow continuous drainage of the middle ear.

            Meniere’s disease

·      Disease of the inner ear that includes the symptoms of vertigo (feeling that the room around you is spinning), tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and hearing loss of low tones.

·      Symptoms can come on suddenly and can last from several hours to several days.

·      Exact cause is unknown, but it is associated with allergies and vascular and inflammatory responses that alter fluid balance within the ear.

·      Conservative management is the goal with this condition with the use of antihistamines, antiemetics (to prevent vomiting), diuretics (to control swelling), and vasodilators (to decrease constriction of the vessels).

·      Restricting fluid and salt in the diet is recommended to decrease the amount of fluid that is produced.

·      Quitting smoking is also recommended to improve symptoms by helping to reduce constriction of vessels.

·      Surgical interventions may be used in order to place a shunt to allow the fluids to travel and escape elsewhere.

·      Following any surgery can cause the individual to experience vertigo, nausea and vomiting for several days due to being off balance from alterations in the fluid in the ear(s).

            Otosclerosis

·      Progressive hardening of the bony configuration known as the stapes within the ear that leaves it incapable of moving; it is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss.

·      Symptoms include tinnitus and conduction deafness.

·      Management will involve a procedure called a stapedectomy to remove the diseased stapes bone.

·      Your surgeon will further discuss the risk and benefits of this procedure with you, along with what to expect and report after surgery is over.

            Presbycusis

·      This condition is associated with aging and is a common cause of sensorineural hearing loss (the ability to hear high-frequency, soft sounds).

·      Result of damage to the ganglion cells of the cochlea and decreased blood supply to the inner ear.

·      Deficiencies in vitamins B9 and B12 also may play a role in the development.

·      Sensorineural hearing loss is also related to the use of ototoxic medications and consistent exposure to loud noises.

            Ear Trauma

·      Injury to the tympanic membrane can result in pain, infection and loss of hearing. 

·      Most ear trauma is the result of jabbing injuries that damage the eardrum and inner ear or from blows to the ear that result in extreme pressure changes.

The professionals at Total Home Health are ready to attend to all your needs in the comforts of your own home.  We understand that everyone greatly relies on their hearing and if it is the least bit compromised it can lead to many unwanted emotions and changes in the way you go about your daily life.  Our professionals will instruct you on many ways to adapt your lifestyle to your level of hearing related to your ear disorder.  Plus, we will encourage you and educate you related to different strategies to prevent further complications and help you get back to normal.  Don’t wait any longer because it’s not fair to you to miss out on any of your life that is taking place around you…enroll today!