Not all hearing problems are in the same nature. Some present in temporary basis while some present in permanent basis. Common ear problems are as follows:

  

  

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By MedicineNet.com

 

When the skin of ear canal is irritated, it might cause infection if we scratch it with fingers or cotton buds. Itchy ear is a possible sign of outer ear infection, fungal infection, earwax impaction or occlusion of foreign body.  

   

 

Earwax helps protect our ears. However, too much earwax may block the ear canal, resulting in hearing loss or outer ear infection. Cleaning earwax with cotton bud might push the earwax further deep inside the ear canal or even damage the eardrum.

 

Occlusion of foreign body in the ear canal is commonly found among children. Curious children might put tiny part of their toys into their or other kids’ ear canals, causing ear infection or damage of the eardrum.

 

Middle ear infection induces ear pain, fever or discharge running out from ear canals. If there is too much fluid trapped inside the middle ear, it might perforate the eardrum.

 

Ear blockage is usually caused by eustachian tube dysfunction or earwax impaction. Ear blockage results in subjective sensation of ear fullness or pressure trapped inside the ears, similar to the experience of riding on an airplane taking off or landing.

 

Ear echo is commonly caused by eustachian tube dysfunction. It is a sensation of own voice and external sounds being trapped inside the ears, similar to the experience of speaking inside a cave or an empty hall.

 

Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure between the outer and middle ear. It might not function properly when we get nose problems like having a cold or rhinitis.

 

Eardrum is located between the outer and middle ear to amplify sounds collected by the pinna and ear canal. Eardrum perforation is usually caused by too much fluid being trapped inside the middle ear (inducing middle ear infection) or by head impact.

 

Otosclerosis is degeneration or abnormal growth of the three ossicles (malleus, incus and stapes) and is believed to be inherited. Otosclerosis might induce conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss.

 

Tinnitus is the subjective sensation of ringing, humming, or whistling inside the ears without the actual presence of external signals. Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of ear problems along the auditory pathway.

 

Dizziness is subjective sensation of visual darkening or almost fainting while standing and is usually related to various kinds of medical problems. Vertigo is subjective spinning sensation and is always associated with ear problems. Vertigo is commonly caused by degeneration of the inner ear, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuronitis, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and acoustic neuroma.