Common Ear Problems: Hearing Loss, Infections, Tinnitus, and more

One specialty of ENTs is the treatment of ear disorders. ENTs are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing loss, ear infections, balance disorders, ear ringing (tinnitus), and some cranial nerve disorders. ENTs also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.

If you experience difficulty with hearing problems including tinnitus (ear ringing) and severe hearing loss, an ENT specialist can diagnose the condition and help find the right treatment plan for you.

Common Ear Problems

One of the most common ear problems that cause patients to seek out an ENT is hearing loss. There are three main types of hearing loss; conductive, sensorineural, and mixed (both conductive and sensorineural).

Conductive hearing loss when there is a problem conducting soundwaves; resulting from issues with an eardrum, ear canal and/or the three bones connected to the eardrum. Often there is a buildup of material in the ear, such as fluid or ear wax, which must be eliminated.

Sensorineural hearing loss is related to problems with the inner ear. This type of loss involves damage to the nerves from exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss), or it may be related to aging. This type of hearing loss is most often associated with hearing aids.

Other common ear problems include: ear infections in infants and young children; tinnitus, a roaring in the ears; and Meniere's disease, that may be the result of fluid problems in your inner ear, the symptoms of which include tinnitus and dizziness. A visit to an ENT will help pinpoint the source the problem and inform the treatment.