Ears

There are three types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural and mixed. Conductive hearing loss is a form of hearing impairment where the transmission of sound from the environment to the inner ear is impaired, usually from an abnormality of the auditory canal or middle ear. This form of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.…

If you’re a parent, it probably comes as no surprise that middle ear infections are common in children, particularly those between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Known as otitis media, these are caused by a number of factors, both physical and environmental. Most ear infections clear up on their own, or are…

An ear infection occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the middle ear following a viral or bacterial infection. This painful affliction is most common in children, but can affect people of all ages. Ear infections can be either acute (of short duration) or chronic (persisting or reoccurring frequently). What Causes an Ear Infection? The majority…

Children are especially susceptible to ear infections thanks in large part to anatomy. The structure of their Eustachian tubes, which are still developing until about the age of two, makes them prone to swelling and blockages. Children who attend daycare or school and those who are exposed to tobacco smoke are most at risk. Ear…

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct deformities and defects of the outer portion of the ear. Most candidates seek the surgery because the ears are visibly protruding from the head. The surgery can be performed when the ears reach their full size at age six. This procedure is beneficial to set back the…

Tinnitus is a sound in one or both ears that is not coming from outside of the body. It is most often described as a ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking or hissing. It can range from a low roar to a high squeal. Click here to read more about tinnitus.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a naturally created substance used to protect your ear from foreign particles entering and causing an infection. Earwax goes through a usually unnoticed process; it is created, dries up and falls out. An oddly shaped ear canal as well as use of a cotton swab to clean the ear can lead…

Cauliflower ear is a medical condition that results in a deformity of the ear. Since this condition is caused by blunt trauma or other injuries, it should come as no surprise that boxers and wrestlers are more likely to develop cauliflower ear. If an injury is left untreated, it prevents proper blood flow, which can…

Large earlobes can be caused by genetic conditions present at birth or through the normal aging process. Over time, gravity as well as wearing earrings can cause the earlobe to stretch and become enlarged. Earlobe reduction surgery is the only treatment. Your plastic surgeon will put you under local anesthesia for this procedure. While there are many variations of this procedure based on each individual’s ear shape, the most common involves an incision along the edge of the earlobe. The excess skin and tissue will be removed and the edge of the earlobe will be reattached.