Hearing Problems Specialist

How are Chronic Ear Infections Treated?

Chronic ear infections can lead to hearing loss if left untreated. The symptoms of an ear infection include dizziness, earaches, and ringing in the ears. Over time, a person who has chronic ear infections may end up with scar tissue inside the ear canal that begins to affect their hearing. Microsurgery can be performed to help reduce the scar tissue and make it easier for the ear to drain into the Eustachian tubes. With better drainage comes less risk of repeated ear infections. Doctors who constantly treat ear infections will often recommend microsurgery in an attempt to help minimize the risk of future hearing loss.

What is a Perforated Eardrum?

A perforation in the eardrum is a small hole or tear that appears in the thin tissue that covers the ear canal. A perforation or rupture can happen without warning. When the rupture occurs, the person hears a loud bang, much like a clap of thunder. The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the inner ear from the outside. Also referred to as the tympanic membrane, the eardrum is extremely thin, almost like a piece of skin or thin paper. It is one of the ways the sounds from outside of the ear make their way to the brain. The eardrum constantly vibrates according to the waves of sound that enter the ear canal. When the eardrum is ruptured, it can have a dramatic effect on hearing.

What is Audiology?

Audiology involves the many components of the ear and the science of how the ear works. A person who specializes in audiology is uniquely trained to identify, diagnose, and treat health conditions that affect the ear, how it works, and the process through which sound waves are transported through the ear to the brain. Audiology uses a variety of tests and equipment to determine whether or not a person can hear certain tones and pitches. An audiologist can also fit an individual with hearing aids and other appliances that help them to hear noises their ears may not be able to pick up due to scar tissue or damage to the eardrum.