Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.
The diagnosis of "ear infection" is generally shorthand for acute otitis media. Your doctor likely makes this diagnosis if he or she sees signs of fluid in the middle ear, if there are signs or symptoms of an infection, and if symptoms started relatively suddenly. Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the ...
Ear infection or ear canal blockage. Your ear canals can become blocked with a buildup of fluid (ear infection), earwax, dirt or other foreign materials. A blockage can change the pressure in your ear, causing tinnitus. Head or neck injuries. Head or neck trauma can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves or brain function linked to hearing.
Middle ear infection (otitis media). A middle ear infection often results in the accumulation of fluids in the middle ear. Pressure from these fluids can cause the eardrum to rupture. Barotrauma. Barotrauma is stress exerted on the eardrum when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the environment are out of balance.
Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It's often brought on by water that remains in your ear, creating a moist environment that aids the growth of bacteria. Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer's ear by damaging the thin ...
Medications for infection. For most cases of swimmer's ear, your doctor will prescribe eardrops that have some combination of the following ingredients, depending on the type and seriousness of your infection: Acidic solution to help restore your ear's normal antibacterial environment. Steroid to reduce inflammation. Antibiotic to fight bacteria.
Airplane ear can occur in one or both ears. Common signs and symptoms include: Moderate discomfort or pain in your ear. Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in your ear. Muffled hearing or slight to moderate hearing loss. If airplane ear is severe, you might have: Severe pain. Increased ear pressure. Moderate to severe hearing loss.
Ear tubes also are called tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, myringotomy tubes or pressure equalization tubes. Ear tubes might help children who have repeated, long-lasting ear infections, also known as chronic otitis media. Ear tubes also might help children who still have fluid buildup in the ear after an infection clears up.
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges. The inflammation from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck. Most cases of meningitis in the United States are caused by a viral infection.
The inner ear contains a group of interconnected, fluid-filled chambers. The snail-shaped chamber, called the cochlea (KOK-lee-uh), plays a role in hearing. Sound vibrations from the bones of the middle ear transfer to the fluids of the cochlea. Tiny sensors lining the cochlea, called hair cells, change the vibrations into electrical impulses ...