Ear disease can occur for a variety of reasons, from accumulation of earwax to infection. This condition makes the parts of the ear become disrupted and cause a decrease in hearing function, both in children and adults.
Inside the ear consists of three major parts, namely the outer ear (outer ear), middle ear (middle ear), and inner ear (inner ear). These three parts play different roles in the process of delivering and changing sound waves so that we can hear them. It's just that each of these parts has the potential to develop a disease that can interfere with its role.
Frequent Ear Diseases
The following are 4 types of health problems that often attack the ear:
1. Accumulation of earwax
Earwax or commonly called cerumen is a waxy substance that is naturally produced by special glands on the outside of the ear. This wax is useful for preventing dust and other small particles from entering the ear.
Normally, earwax dries out of the ear by itself. However, sometimes the ear wax accumulates and clogs the ear canal.
The habit of cleaning the ears using a cotton bud can also push the ear wax deeper and worsen this condition. The accumulation of this dirt can cause several complaints, such as itching of the ears, ears feel full, pain in the ears, ringing in the ears, dizziness, even decreased listening ability.
2. Otitis externa
Otitis externa is an infection of the external ear, one of which is caused by the entry of water into the ear. The presence of water in the ear canal makes the ear moist, making it easier for bacteria to grow and multiply.
This condition often occurs in people who often spend time in the water, for example swimmers. That is why an external ear infection is also called swimmer's ear. In addition, digging the ears too often and using hearing aids can also increase your risk of developing otitis externa.
Symptoms that can arise from this ear disease are pain in the ear (especially when chewing), itching in the ear canal, discharge from the ear, and the ear feels full.
3. Otitis media
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that can occur in children and adults. This condition occurs when the eustachian tube walls swell due to allergic reactions, flu, or infections in the nose. This causes the Eustachian tubes are blocked and easily infected.
In children, otitis media can cause symptoms such as pain in the ear, difficulty sleeping, fussiness, fever, and not responding to sound. While in adults, symptoms can include pain in the ear, discharge from the ear, and reduced ability to hear.
4. Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears or tinnitus occurs when you hear the sound of "ringing" or ringing that occurs or persists. This sound can be heard in one or both ears. Tinnitus usually occurs due to damage to the auditory nerve in the inner ear. This condition is more often experienced by elderly people aged over 60 years.
Besides occurring in old age, several conditions that often trigger the emergence of ear disorders are the habit of listening to sounds too loud for a long time, accumulation of earwax, changes in the structure of the ear bones, and Meniere's disease.
To avoid various ear diseases, you need to maintain ear health, not clean the ears using a cotton bud, not listen to music too loudly, and keep the ear area dry. If you experience complaints in the ear and hearing, you should immediately consult a ENT doctor.
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