Category Archives: EARS

Damage to the structures of the EAR resulting from the ear’s inability to equalize pressure with abrupt and extreme changes in atmospheric pressure. Such changes most often occur in situations of sudden altitude alter such as air travel or diving, … Continue reading →

disorder of the inner EAR in which certain positions of the head cause sudden and severe, though brief, episodes of VERTIGO (sensations of spinning or motion). Many people experience symptoms upon awakening from sleep, as they roll from one position … Continue reading →

A casual and descriptive term for an auricle (external EAR) damaged and deformed through trauma. Cauliflower ear is commonly associated with repeated injury such as occurs with boxing. However, even a single blow to the ear substancial enough to cause … Continue reading →

A soft waxy secretion, commonly called EAR wax, that the glands in the auditory (ear) canal produce to assist remove debris from within the canal. Cerumen is usually yellowish brown in color and its presence is normal, though many people … Continue reading →

A growth that develops within the middle EAR. Most cholesteatomas develop as a consequence of frequent middle ear infections (OTITIS media) or chronically blocked eustachian tubes, such as by frequent SINUSITIS (sinus infection) or ALLERGIC RHINITIS. A cholesteatoma starts as … Continue reading →

Hygienic measures to keep the ears clear of debris. For the most part, the ears are self-cleaning. Tiny hairs (cilia) line the inside of the auditory canal, moving in wavelike motions to sweep particles of dust and pollen, as well … Continue reading →

The organ of the inner EAR that converts sound waves to NERVE impulses. Contained within the bony labyrinth, the cochlea resembles a snail shell. Thousands of specialized nerves, called HAIR cells because of the fine fibers that project from them, … Continue reading →

An inner EAR prosthesis to provide a degree of hearing ability for those who have profound HEARING LOSS—greater than a 90 decibel (dB) loss of hearing—in both ears and receive no benefit from hearing aids. This tiny electronic device receives … Continue reading →