Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis (o'to-skle-ro'sis) is an ear disorder in which spongy bone grows over the oval window and immobilizes the stapes, leading to progressive loss of hearing. This disorder can be surgically corrected by breaking away the bony growth and the immobilized stapes. During surgery, the stapes is replaced by a small rod connected by a fat pad or a synthetic membrane, to the oval window at one end and to the incus at the other end.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus (ti-ni'tus) consists of noises such as ringing, clicking, whistling, or booming in the ears. These noises may occur as a result of disorders in the middle or inner ear, or along the central neuronal pathways.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness consists of nausea, weakness, and other dysfunctions caused by stimulation of the semicircular canals during motion, such as in a boat, automobile, airplane, swing, or amusement park ride. It may progress to vomiting and incapacitation. Antiemetics such as anticholinergic or antihistamine medications can be taken to counter the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic drug that reduces the excitability of vestibular receptors. Cyclizine (Marezine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are antihistamines that affect the neural pathways from the vestibule. Scopolamine can be administered transdermally in the form of a patch placed on the skin behind the ear (Transdermal-Scop), which lasts about 3 days.

Otitis Media

Infections of the middle ear(otitis media) are quite common in young children. These infections usually result from the spread of infection from the mucous membrane of the pharynx through the auditory tube to the mucous lining of the middle ear. The symptoms of otitis media, consisting of low-grade fever, lethargy, and irritability, are often not easily recognized by the parent as signs of middle ear infection. The infection can also cause a temporary decrease or loss of hearing because fluid buildup has dampened the tympanic membrane or ossicles.

Earache

Earache can result from otitis media, otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory meatus), dental abscesses, or temperomandibular joint pain.