Dr Chin’s Introduction to Inner Ear Disorders
The human ear can be divided into 3 distinct parts. The inner, middle, and outer ear. Among these, the inner ear is the deepest part. It sends signals to our brains about the sounds it reads.
Like every other part of our body, it can have disorders and infections. Most of them are congenital and have no prior way of stopping them. However, thanks to the advancement of technology, you can still cure most of them to lead a decent life.
Let’s find out.
The Inner Ear
The inner ear is a complex structure that is responsible for hearing and balance. It is made up of both air-filled and fluid-filled spaces. The air-filled spaces are called the cochlea, which is the hearing portion, and the vestibule, which is the balance portion. The fluid-filled spaces are called semicircular canals.
There are many different types of inner ear disorders that can affect a person’s hearing and balance. These disorders can be caused by many different things, including infections, trauma, and certain medications.
Some of the more common inner ear disorders include:
Disorder #1: Labyrinthitis
It’s a type of inner ear infection that results in inflammation of the labyrinth, a structure in the ear that helps with balance and hearing. This can lead to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
There is no definitive reason for this condition, and it can be instigated by various things, including viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and even head trauma. However, some of the more common reasons for developing labyrinthitis include viral infections (such as the common cold or flu), bacteria infections (such as meningitis), and autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Treatment typically involves rest and avoiding activities that trigger dizziness. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help manage symptoms.
Disorder #2: Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing noise in the ears). A build-up of fluid in the inner ear is thought to cause this. There’s no cure for Meniere’s disease, but it can be tackled with medication, changes in diet, and avoidance of triggers.
There are two types of Meniere’s disease: primary and secondary. Primary Meniere’s disease is the more common type, and it is thought to be caused by a problem with the inner ear. Secondary Meniere’s disease is less common and is caused by another condition, such as a head injury, autoimmune disease, or tumors.
Disorder #3: Otitis Interna
Otitis interna is an inflammation of the inner ear. The most common symptom is severe pain. Other symptoms include dizziness, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and pain relief. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
The most common cause of otitis interna is a viral infection. Other possible causes include bacterial infections, fungi, and allergies. The condition can also be caused by physical trauma to the ear, such as from loud noise or a blow to the head.
Otitis interna is diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination. A diagnostic tool called an otoscope may be used to visualize the ear. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan may be necessary.
Treatment for otitis interna typically includes antibiotics and pain relief. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Prevention of otitis interna includes avoiding exposure to loud noises and avoiding trauma to the head or ear.
Disorder #4: Perilymph Fistula
A perilymph fistula is an abnormal opening between the middle ear and the inner ear. This can cause problems with hearing and balance.
The most common symptom of a perilymph fistula is sudden, severe dizziness or vertigo triggered by pressure changes, such as when coughing, blowing your nose, or going up or down in an elevator. You may also have hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
Perilymph fistulas are rare, and they can be difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are similar to other inner ear disorders. If your doctor suspects you have a perilymph fistula, you may need a special type of MRI scan or a hearing test called an electrocochleography (ECochG). Treatment for a perilymph fistula usually involves surgery to close the opening between the middle ear and the inner ear.
Disorder #5: Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear disorder that results in a sudden, severe episode of vertigo. The vestibular system helps to control balance and eye movements. When the vestibular system is damaged, it can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and difficulty walking. Vestibular neuritis is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. The exact cause of the inflammation is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a viral infection.
There is no known cure for vestibular neuritis, but symptoms can be treated with medication and physical therapy. In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own over time.
Treatments
There are many different treatments for inner ear disorders. Some of these treatments include:
Cochlear implants: These are devices that are surgically implanted into the inner ear. They can help to improve hearing in people with certain types of hearing loss.
Hearing aids: These are devices that amplify sound. They can help to improve hearing in people with certain types of hearing loss.
Medications: There are many different types of medications that can be used to treat inner ear disorders. These medications can help to reduce symptoms and improve hearing and balance.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat an inner ear disorder. Surgery can help to improve hearing and balance in people with certain types of inner ear disorders.
To Wrap It Up
As we head deeper into the ear, every part has its functions, and any minor disorder can have major consequences. Since most of these happen at random, there’s no way to prevent them – however, early discovery can lead to a faster recovery.
So, do yearly visits to your doctor and lead a healthy life.
Glue ear, after draining the ear drum
Glue ear, intact ear drum
- About the Author
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
