Your ear features three primary areas: the outer, middle, and inner regions. You use all these areas to hear. Sound waves come through the outer ear before reaching the middle ear, where they cause the eardrum to vibrate.
How Hearing Is Facilitated
The vibrations, in turn, are conveyed through three small bones, known as ossicles, in the middle ear. The vibrations then travel to a snail-shaped organ known as the inner ear. The inner ear creates the nerve impulses that travel to the brain, where sound is recognized. The inner ear also controls balance.
Ear Infections in Children
According to ENT specialists in Atlantic City, NJ, various conditions can impact one’s hearing or balance. For instance, ear infections commonly affect the hearing of children or infants. Ear infections are the most common ailment noted by ENT doctors, such as Louis J. Rondinella, MD PA.
In fact, ear infections are the most frequent reason a parent brings their child to a specialist. Around three out of every four children suffer from an ear infection before they turn three years of age. Adults also suffer from ear infections, although they are less common.
How the Condition Develops
According to ENT specialists, an infection typically affects the middle ear. Clinically, the condition is referred to as otitis media. When an infection occurs, the tubes within the ear become clogged with mucus and fluid. The hearing is naturally affected because sound cannot penetrate the fluid. If a child is too young to indicate their discomfort, you can look for symptoms such as ear tugging, fluid draining from the ear, problems with balance, hearing difficulties, or excessive crying.
Relieving Discomfort
ENT specialists can diagnose an ear infection by examining the inside of the ear with an otoscope. The infections, which usually subside on their own, are often treated with pain relievers or antibiotics in cases where they are severe. Click here for more details.
