Common ear conditions: Otitis media and tinnitus

Definition of otitis media

Otitis media is an inflammation that occurs in the middle ear, the space inside the eardrum.
It is classified into acute, chronic, and exudative otitis media.

If acute otitis media is not treated early and left untreated,
Caution is needed as it can progress to chronic otitis media.

 

 

Symptoms of chronic otitis media

When you have chronic otitis media, you may have difficulty hearing well.
Hearing loss symptoms will appear.

Pus and discharge coming from the ear may produce an unpleasant odor.
If you experience additional pain or dizziness, you should suspect complications.

 

Treatment of chronic otitis media

Use an antibiotic in the form of ear drops.

Proceeding with medication treatment,
Even if the inflammation and discharge improve

It can recur at any time.

This type of case occurs due to structural issues in the eardrum and middle ear.
Surgery within the middle ear space and surrounding bones

All inflammation will be eliminated.

 

 

Definition and causes of exudative otitis media

Exudative otitis media is a condition involving the middle ear.

In a state where the fluid called exudate is cold
Unlike acute otitis media

There are no symptoms such as ear pain, fever, or severe eardrum inflammation.

Exudative otitis media is caused by acute otitis media.

The created liquid remains stagnant or continues to sit.
Ventilates the air inside the eardrum

It can occur if the function of the Eustachian tube is not good.

 

Symptoms of exudative otitis media

Depending on the amount of exudate accumulated in the ear

Hearing ability may decline.
The sound feels distant or far away.

Sometimes, my own voice sounds distorted.

Additionally, if suppurative otitis media is left untreated without proper management
It can lead to eardrum atrophy and hearing loss, so caution is necessary.

 

Treatment of exudative otitis media

Exudative otitis media is treated with medications such as antibiotics.

It is known to be unhelpful.
Until the exudate disappears

There are many cases where regular observation of progress is conducted.

The symptoms have not improved even after 3 to 6 months.

In cases where hearing loss or similar issues are a concern
Surgery to insert a *tympanic tube can be performed.

Tube installed to ventilate the air inside the middle ear

 

Definition and causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus occurs even without external sound stimuli.

A phenomenon of hearing sounds inside the ears or head.
It is a very common condition experienced by about 10% of adults.

Most tinnitus is associated with mild hearing loss.

The cause is due to concurrent abnormalities in the cochlea and auditory nerve.
Vascular or muscle abnormalities, etc.

It can also occur due to various diseases.

 

Symptoms of tinnitus

Tinnitus is mostly

A high-frequency metallic sound appears.
Sounds of machinery, the sound of fatigue setting in, sounds of insects crying, etc.

It is expressed in a simple tone.

Additionally, muscles inside the ear, etc.

Contraction of facial muscles
The sounds of 'knocking' or 'rumbling'

It can occur.

 

Treatment for tinnitus

Unexplained tinnitus can be managed through counseling and sound therapy.
Gradually becoming unable to recognize tinnitus

Tinnitus retraining therapy will be administered.