Definition
1) Hypoacusis
Hypoacusis is a loss of hearing acuity. The nature of the hearing loss can be conduction or sensorineural.
2) Conduction Hearing loss
Conduction hearing loss corresponds to a problem of sound wave propagation to the inner ear. The causes of conduction hearing loss are multiple and can be due to an external ear canal obstruction or to a middle ear problem as well.
3) Sensorineural hearing loss
The perception reflects either a coding problem of the sound wave into electrical current in the cochlea, a problem of electric current transmission through the hearing nerve or a processing of information problem at the level of the brain. It is also called perception impairment.
4) Hyperacusis
The hyperacusis involves ear dysfunction which results in noise hypersensitivity.
5) Ear Fullness
The fullness of the ear is a symptom reported when the individual feels that his ear is blocked, heavy like it filled with water. This symptom is often present when the ear canal is blocked (for example, with wax or a swelling triggered by infection). It is also reported when persons suffer from pathologies affecting the eardrum or middle ear (e.g., otitis media or cholesteatoma). People suffering from diseases affecting the inner ear may also feel some fullness, even if their outer and middle ear are intact. Note that a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube can also result to the feeling of fullness.
6) Otorrhea
Otorrhea corresponds to a flow of liquid at the level of the outer ear. It can be caused by various reasons. Frequently, it occurs in the context of otitis externa or otitis media with a perforation of the eardrum. In these cases, the liquid is often yellow and thick. Some people may also report a slight clear oozing associated with eczema of the ear canal skin. More rarely, a clear otorrhea like water can match the cerebrospinal fluid. This can be noted in individuals who have erosion of the bone separating the ear from the brain.
7) Otalgia
Otalgia or earache is a pain experienced in the ear. Primary earache is due to ear diseases that affect the outer and / or the middle ear.
The referred ear pain comes from other sources than the ear. Thus, the earache is not always associated with ear disease. For example, otalgia can be caused by inflammation of the jaw joint, by infection of the tonsils and pharynx, by a throat cancer, spasm of neck muscles or dental problems.
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Anatomy and function of the ear
Definition
External Otitis
Otitis Media
Retraction Pockets
Cholesteatoma
Myringitis
Mastoiditis
Otosclerosis
Vestibular Schwannoma