Ear

A physical defect present in a baby at birth, irrespective of whether the defect is caused by a genetic factor or by prenatal events that are not genetic. In a malformation, the development of a structure is arrested, delayed, or misdirected early in embryonic life and the effect is permanent.

A hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear, is called a perforated eardrum. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic membrane. The middle ear is connected to the nose by the eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure in the middle ear.

A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge. Pain is usually not persistent.

Ear fluid may cause hearing loss, ear pain, and may lead to an infection. It is commonly seen in patient who have upper respiratory tract infections such as a cold or sinus infection. Ear fluid is also common in children since the Eustachian tube anatomy in children makes it more difficult for the ears to drain. Ear fluid typically resolves on its own. If it persists for several months, the solution may be ear tubes.

Ear tubes are tiny cylinders placed through the ear drum (tympanic membrane) to allow air into the middle ear. They also may be called tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or PE (pressure equalization) tubes. These tubes can be made out of plastic, metal, or Teflon. It may have a coating intended to reduce the possibility of infection. There are two basic types of ear tubes: short-term and long-term. Short-term tubes are smaller and typically stay in place for six months to a year before falling out on their own. Long-term tubes are larger and have flanges that secure them in place for a longer period of time. Long term tubes may fall out on their own, but removal by an otolaryngologist is often necessary.

Ear wax blockage occurs when ear wax (cerumen) accumulates in your ear and becomes too hard to wash away naturally.

Ear wax is a helpful and natural part of your body's defenses. It protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. It is not known why some people experience ear wax blockage or why ear wax blockage often occurs in only one ear.

If ear wax blockage becomes a problem, our doctors can take simple steps to remove the wax safely.

What is ETD?

The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube linked to the middle ear. It is normally closed but opens when we swallow, yawn or chew.

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 As the Eustachian tube opens and closes, it regulates pressure in the ear.  ETD is the failure of the valve of the Eustachian tube to open and/or close properly.  This can cause pressure and pain.

What can you do?

The Acclarent AERA'" Eustachian Tube Dilation System is the only available device in the U.S. intended to dilate the Eustachian tube for patients with persistent ETD.  A small balloon is used to open the Eustachian tube and can relieve symptoms of persistent ETD.

How does it work?

After the balloon is inflated and the Eustachian tube is dilated, a doctor deflates and removes the balloon.

What are some of the results?

• 99.7% Success rate in reaching and opening the Eustachian tubes during the procedure
• More patients regained normal ear function than with medicine alone
• Improvement in Quality of Life Scores compared to medical management alone
• Safe and minimally invasive

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Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most commonly diagnosed childhood illness in the United States. More than 3 out of 4 kids have had at least one ear infection by the time they reach 3 years of age.

Gradual -hearing loss that occurs as you age (presbycusis) is common. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 and close to one-half of those older than 75 have some degree of hearing loss.

Doctors believe that heredity and chronic exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss over time. Other factors, such as ear wax blockage, can prevent your ears from conducting sounds as well as they should.

Most hearing loss can't be reversed, however, you don't have to live in a world of quieter, less distinct sounds. You and your doctor or hearing specialist can take steps to improve what you hear.

Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance to a varying degree. It is characterized by episodes of vertigo and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by lymphatic channel dilation, affecting the drainage of endolymph. The condition affects people differently; it can range in intensity from being a mild annoyance to a chronic, lifelong disability.

Cosmetic ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to bring back the normal appearance of your ear. This plastic surgery procedure can greatly enhance a person's appearance and self-esteem.

There are several varieties of ear surgeries to restore lost hearing and correct damaged or diseased parts of the ear. Which of those, if any, is appropriate depends on the problem. Please schedule an appointment to see if surgery is right for you.

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal. In most cases, bacteria cause this infection in the thin layer of skin lining the canal.

Your ears' protective features work best when they are dry. If your ear canals are exposed to excess moisture - for example, if you swim a lot - they're more likely to become infected. Swimmer's ear is also known as acute external otitis or otitis externa.

Swimmer's ear is usually easily treated. Prompt treatment of swimmer's ear can help prevent the development of more-serious complications and infections.

Tinnitus, is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound.

Tinnitus is not a disease; but a symptom resulting from a range of underlying causes that can include: ear infections, foreign objects or wax in the ear. Tinnitus can also be caused by natural hearing impairment (as in aging), as a side-effect of some medications, and as a side-effect of genetic (congenital) hearing loss. However, the most common cause for tinnitus is noise-induced hearing loss.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is stationary. The symptoms are due to a dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting as well as difficulties standing or walking.

The most common causes are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular migraine while less common causes include Meniere's disease and vestibular neuritis. Consumption of too much alcohol can also cause notorious symptoms of vertigo.