Ear

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection):

• What it is: An inflammation or infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum containing tiny bones that vibrate to transmit sound.
• Symptoms: Earache, fever, muffled hearing, fluid drainage, difficulty sleeping (especially in children).
• Signs: Redness or bulging of the eardrum during examination.
• Treatments: based on the medical examination and investigations you may need Antibiotics (for bacterial infections), pain relievers, decongestants, ear drops. In some cases, tympanostomy tubes (grommets) may be recommended. Hence the doctor visit is very important to prescribe the right treatment for each case depending on the type of bacterial infection for example .

Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear):

• What it is: An inflammation of the outer ear canal, the tube that leads to the eardrum.
• Symptoms: Earache, itching, swelling of the ear canal, feeling of fullness in the ear. 
• Signs: Visible redness, swelling, or tenderness of the outer ear canal.
• Treatments: the medication will depend on the cause, for example bacterial, fungal or other cause based on the medical examinations and investigation, so our doctor may describe antibiotics, steroids, or antifungal medications depending on the cause.

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears):

• What it is: A perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking) in one or both ears when no external sound is present. Can be constant or intermittent and vary in volume and pitch.
• Symptoms: Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds in one or both ears. 
• Signs: No visible signs on examination.
• Treatments: Depends on the underlying cause. May include medication, sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), masking devices, and counseling.

Meniere's Disease:

• What it is: A disorder of the inner ear that affects the balance and hearing mechanisms.
• Symptoms: Episodes of vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss in one ear, feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
• Signs: Fluctuations in hearing loss confirmed with audiometry testing.
• Treatments: Medications to control vertigo and nausea, dietary changes (low-salt diet), diuretics, Meniett maneuver (a repositioning technique), and in some cases, surgery.

Grommet Tubes (Tympanostomy Tubes):

• Used for: Otitis media with effusion (persistent fluid buildup in the middle ear) or frequent ear infections.
• What they are: Tiny tubes inserted through the eardrum to allow drainage of fluid and prevent future infections
• Procedure: Tiny tubes are inserted through the eardrum to allow drainage of fluid and prevent future infections. The tubes typically fall out on their own within 6-18 months.

Schedule an appointment with our ENT department today and experience the difference of personalized, advanced ear disease care.