Ear obstruction
The ear consists of three sections; the outer ear, the middle, and the inner. The outer part includes the pigment; the prominent cartilage of the ear, as well as the auditory canal that ends with the eardrum. The middle ear contains three magnets that transmit the sound waves to the inner ear, and the middle ear connects to the back of the nose through the channel of Estacius. The external ear contains the cochlea, the main part responsible for hearing, as well as the semicircular channels responsible for the process of balance of the body. The sensation of an obstruction of the ear indicates disorders or diseases of the outer or middle ear, a common occurrence caused by many causes, most notably the accumulation of ear gum, and may be accompanied by pain in the affected ear or hearing loss.
Causes of ear occlusion
There are many reasons that may lead to ear blockage, as follows:
- Collect ear gum : This is the most common cause of ear occlusion. In the normal state, gum is produced by specialized glands in the outer ear, as a means of protecting the ear from germs, dirt, insects and even moisture, and when the secretion of that gum accumulates excessively in the ear canal causing closure. It is necessary to get rid of this glue, as it may cause infection or temporary hearing loss.
- Water enters the ear : This is usually done after bathing or swimming, as the patient feels the presence of water in his ear.
- Ear infection : It may result either from a bacterial or fungal infection, and may affect either the ear, internal or central or external, and accompanied by obstruction of the ear due to congestion and fluid pool, and may also result in pain in the ear or bulging or discharge secretions, and may be impaired hearing in Infected ear.
- The presence of an external body in the ear : It is a common problem in children, either a blockage of the auditory channel due to this body, or as a result of the increased secretion of gum because of its presence in the ear.
- Differential pressure between the sides of the eardrum : This occurs when boarding, or diving deep in the sea, as the feeling of obstruction of the ear as a result of the attempt of the channel Astacius to offset pressure between the middle ear and the external environment.
- Infection : Then the patient has a blocked nasal congestion, and this causes congestion channel Astacios, and thus obstruction of the ear.
- Infection of the optic nerve : A rare benign tumor, usually near the optic nerve. At the time of infection, the patient feels the obstruction of the ear without any of the previous reasons.
Symptoms and signs of ear occlusion
When an ear occlusion occurs, the patient has several symptoms in the affected ear as follows:
- Sensation of pain in the ear.
- Hear a ringing in the infected ear.
- Hearing impairment, due to blocking of sound waves due to obstruction.
- High body temperature, or discharge of secretions from the ear due to infection.
- Loss of body balance, as obstruction may affect the function of semicircular channels.
- The feeling of fullness of the ear, as this term may usually be used by patients to express their feelings in such a situation.
Treatment of ear occlusion
There are several ways to treat ear blockage, all of which are mainly based on identifying the cause of the blockage and getting rid of it. These methods are useful in these cases, as well as the types of drugs that come either as droplets of the ear or in the form of oral tablets. The extent of ear obstruction is usually determined by a clinical examination by the physician, and to identify the underlying causes. Home obstruction can be started by using either olive oil or several drops of over-the-counter drops, as well as glycerin and mineral oils. These compounds dissolve gum accumulated in the ear.
Other methods, such as the use of sterile ear drops, such as those containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are also removed. There is also a method of irrigation using warm water, and when followed this method the patient should sit moderately and maintain the integrity of the canal of the ears, by grabbing the external ear and gently pull out, and then directing a small amount of water in the ear using the syringe, and tilting the head after that To work on the discharge of water. This process must be repeated several times.
It is forbidden to follow the method of irrigation in the case of suffering from a hole in the eardrum for what may result from infections. It is possible to dry the ear by placing a few drops of alcohol in the ear after making sure to remove the glue. If previous methods fail to remove the accumulated ear glue, the doctor may resort to several procedures, such as repeating the irrigation method for other times, or sucking the ear gum, or using a small tool called a scab. If the ear blockage is due to ear infection or Astacios, then the treatment is using drugs, such as antibiotics. In the case of a specific tumor causing blockage, this tumor must be removed surgically.
To avoid ear occlusion, avoid cleaning the ear with sharp tools. Instead, it is recommended to use a cloth or paper napkin after wrapping it around the finger, as well as ear plugs when necessary to prevent dust collecting. It is also recommended to perform a routine examination of the ear to make sure that the obstruction is not occured. In the case of recurrent ear occlusion, the patient should consult with the ear, nose and throat doctor.