Ear Diseases
The ear consists of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The middle ear is a small chamber that begins with the eardrum and leads to the maze of passageways that constitute the inner ear. Besides its function in connection with hearing, the inner ear also possesses organs having to do with balance and motion. The use of two ears greatly helps a person to locate the source and direction of sounds. Unfortunately, many people suffer from ear diseases or hearing problems and have a disabling hearing impairment. The following lists some common ear diseases and hearing problems:
1) Tinnitus
It is the perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. Tinnitus is not a disease, but a condition that can result from a wide range of underlying causes: neurological damage, ear infections, foreign objects in the ear, nasal allergies that prevent (or induce) fluid drain, or wax build-up. Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine addiction may cause tinnitus as well. Tinnitus may be an accompaniment of sensorineural hearing loss or congenital hearing loss, or it may be observed as a side effect of certain medications. However, the most common cause is noise-induced hearing loss. Since tinnitus is usually a subjective phenomenon, it is difficult to measure using objective tests. Hence we suggest you to contact HK ENT Specialist for further ENT services and consultation.
2) Hearing loss
Hearing loss (or deaf) exists when there is diminished sensitivity to the sounds normally heard. The term hearing impairment is usually reserved for people who have relative insensitivity to sound in the speech frequencies. Degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss. There are two types of hearing loss: congenital or acquired. If a hearing loss is congenital, it is present at birth, associated with the birth process, or to have developed in the first few days of life. In contrast, acquired hearing loss represent the hearing disability has not present at birth but developed later, either during childhood or adulthood. Hearing loss can also be classified as either pre-lingual or post-lingual. A pre-lingual hearing loss occurs before the acquisition of language and speech. A post-lingual hearing loss is one occurring after developing a first language. We suggest to consult our ENT doctor for audiology & speech therapy services and further assistance.
3) Otitis media
It occurs in the area between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear, including a duct known as the eustachian tube. It is one of the two most common causes of an earache - the other being otitis externa. Diseases other than ear infections can also cause ear pain, including cancers of any structure that shares nerve supply with the ear and shingles which can lead to herpes zoster oticus. Though painful, otitis media is not threatening and usually heals on its own within 2–6 weeks.
For more details of your ear diseases or hearing problems, please contact us.
Ear (Otology) Services
- Neonatal hearing screening
- Paediatric and adult hearing test
- Hearing restoration treatments including cochlear implant surgery, bone anchored hearing aid surgery
- Stapedectomy and ossiculoplasty
- A comprehensive range of micro ear surgery
