Ear and hearing problems can result from a variety of causes, affecting one or both ears. Issues in the outer ear may be due to earwax buildup, infections (such as otitis externa), injury, or the presence of foreign objects.
Problems in the middle ear can be caused by fluid buildup, middle ear infections (otitis media), eardrum perforations, or problems with the tiny bones that transmit sound.
Inner ear issues may involve damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve, often from aging (presbycusis), prolonged exposure to loud noises, head injuries, or certain medications.
Common symptoms include difficulty hearing speech clearly, needing to increase the volume on devices, feeling as though sounds are muffled, ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), ear pain, itching, pressure or fullness in the ear, dizziness or vertigo, and sometimes fluid drainage from the ear.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause: earwax removal, antibiotics for infections, surgery for structural damage, use of hearing aids, or medical management for chronic conditions.
In some cases, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent hearing loss, while in others, hearing rehabilitation is necessary.