Ear Conditions

1 

Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a complex condition involving a mass of skin cells trapped within the ear, which can lead to recurrent infections and progressive hearing loss, in addition to other ear symptoms. The condition often requires surgery to remove the mass of skin cells and to prevent future infections. 

2

Dizziness

Dizziness is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of symptoms, such as; feeling off-balance, giddy, lightheaded, faint or like the room/surroundings are spinning around you (vertigo). These symptoms can be due to a combination of factors, such as cardiac, neurological, visual and/or inner ear problems. 

3

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is common, especially as one gets older, but is also a common problem in children. The causes of hearing loss can generally be divided into a conductive, sensorineural or mixed (both conductive and sensorineural).

A conductive hearing loss is when there is an obstruction in the ear canal and/or middle ear (part of the ear behind the ear drum)  that prevents sound from passing through properly. 

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A sensorineural hearing loss is when there is damage to the hair cells of the inner ear and/or damage to the nerve of hearing. 

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A mixed hearing loss is due to a combination of both conductive and sensorineural problems. ​

4

Infections

Ear infections are very common and can be divided into infections of the ear canal (otitis externa) or infections behind the ear drum (acute otitis media). Ear infections behind the ear drum are more common in children than adults. Both types of infections can cause pain, high temperatures, difficulty hearing, discharge from the affected ear, a sensation of fullness/pressure inside the ear. ​

5

Perforations

Perforations of the ear drum can be caused by an ear infection, trauma, or extreme changes in pressure, resulting in pain, infections and hearing loss. Whilst many perforations will heal by themselves, sometimes, an operation is needed to repair it.

6

Tinnitus

This refers to hearing sounds/noises that do not come from an outside source. Tinnitus can sound like - high pitched ringing, buzzing, whooshing, throbbing in time with your heartbeat, humming, etc. This can be heard in both your ears or on one side only and may be constant or may come and go. In the vast majority of cases, there are no identifiable causes, but in some cases there are indications for further investigations.

7

Wax

Build up of wax is a common problem and can cause problems with hearing, ringing (tinnitus), discomfort or dizziness. To remove the wax safely, a fine suction device is used, sometimes with the aid of ear drops to soften the wax. This technique is safer than water irrigation of wax, which is known to cause ear infections.