Various ear diseases and conditions can affect the ear, including middle ear infections, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, deafness, chickenpox-related ear infections, autoimmune inner ear disease, swimmer’s ear, ear mites, polyps, and cauliflower ear.
Various types of ear diseases and conditions can afflict the ear, the most common of which is a middle ear infection. This is particularly common in children and can be caused by viruses or bacteria. The inner ear is more vulnerable to disease, and a condition known as Meniere’s disease can cause increased pressure that leads to hearing loss. The vestibular nerve can become inflamed due to an inner ear infection, which can cause a disease known as vestibular neuritis. Deafness or hearing loss is an ear disease that can be congenital or acquired.
Some individuals who have contracted the virus that causes chickenpox may also develop an ear infection. This occurs when the virus spreads to the inner ear, causing nerve damage. Herpes zoster otitis media is one of the diseases that can cause several symptoms, including fever, ear pain, and dizziness. Hearing loss can also be a common symptom of this disease.
Autoimmune ear diseases can cause significant hearing loss. One such disease is known as autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). This occurs when the body’s immune cells mistake the inner ear nerves for foreign invaders and attack them. An ear specialist known as an otolaryngologist, often referred to as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, can diagnose this disease and prescribe treatment.
One of the most common types of ear disease is known as swimmer’s ear. This is usually caused by a fungal infection. This condition is called swimmer’s ear because many individuals develop this infection from frequent swimming. Often, this condition can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, such as a solution of boric acid and grain alcohol. An eyedropper generally works well for delivering the solution into the ear.
Ear mites are known to cause disease by invading the ear canal. The ear canal will regularly shed dead skin cells, on which ear mites can thrive. This condition is most common in dogs and cats, although in extremely rare cases humans can be affected by this parasite.
Other types of ear diseases can include polyps within the ear canal or a condition known as cauliflower ear. Cauliflower ear causes deformity of the outer ear and typically occurs after being poked in the ear. Damage to the ear cartilage can cause the outer ear to develop a crumpled or bumpy appearance. When polyps develop in the ear canal, recurring ear infections or allergies may be to blame.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
