Infection of the Inner Ear. Infections of the hearing part of the ear are called “otitis media,” and are usually seen in childhood, but rarely may begin after fifty. Accompanied by intense pain in the ear and high temperature, these ear infections are apt to be followed by a perforation of the eardrum with a running ear commonly following. With infections in the inner ear, as in other parts of the body, it is important that general health be maintained at a high level, to combat this lingering type infection. The aid of the experienced physician is necessary for the successful treatment of infection in the inner ear.
Otosclerosis (Buzzing in the Ear). Otosclerosis is a chronic disease of the ear’s hearing mechanism which reduces fine hearing and produces a buzzing, ringing sound in the ear. When the three small bones that transmit sound within the ear become diseased, they acquire a stickiness and pass a continual message. The result is the constant buzzing, ringing or roaring noise which seems loudest when it is most quiet, as in bed at night. This does not interfere completely with hearing and is least noticed in noisy public places. Otosclerosis is very common in the upper age bracket and is most difficult to cure, but a good ear doctor can be of considerable help in this disease.
Deafness Due to Ear Canal Blockade. Occlusion of the external ear canal often is the sole cause of reduced hearing and removal of the block produces sudden and definite improvement. Wax is sometimes the offender, but occlusion may be due to a boil-like infection in the canal or a formation caused by accumulated dust particles. Irrigation of the ear with warm water is sometimes sufficient to clean out the ear canal and improve the hearing.
Deafness Due to Eardrum Difficulties. Perforation or destruction of the eardrum may result in decreased hearing, but not a complete loss of hearing. Perforations of the drum are common, usually a result of old middle ear infections. The eardrum with a
Fig. 15. Like the skin of a drum, the human eardrum vibrates when struck by sound waves. Damaged eardrums still may function satisfactorily.
small hole in it will continue to function fairly well until the eardrum is almost all gone, and then clear distinct hearing is lost. Loss of the entire eardrum however, does not cause total deafness, since sound can still be conducted through the bones of the ear and the skull.