Related Terms

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Background

• Ear disorders are characterized by improper function of a person's ear. The ear is important because it sends messages to the brain that allow a person to hear sounds and sense their balance. As a result, patients with ear disorders may be unable to hear sounds properly, or they may feel dizzy.
• The ear is divided into three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Sound waves enter the outer ear and hit the eardrum. This causes the eardrum to vibrate. Behind the eardrum, in the middle ear, are three tiny bones: the malleus, incus, and stapes. When the eardrum vibrates, it signals these bones to transmit the vibrations to the hearing organ, called the cochlea, in the inner ear. Inside the cochlea, there are thousands of hair-like nerve endings, called cilia. When the cochlea vibrates, it causes the tiny cilia to move. The auditory nerves translate the vibrations and send them to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
• The middle ear is normally filled with air. It is connected to the back of the nose by the Eustachian tube. This tube is normally closed. However, sometimes (e.g. when a person yawns or swallows) it opens to let air into the middle ear and drain out any fluid. These tubes equalize pressure on either side of the middle ear.
• If any part of the ear is damaged, infected, or not properly developed, it may result in an ear disorder. Some of the most common types of ear disorders include ear infections, glue ear, hearing loss and deafness, Meniere's disease, phonological disorders, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Ear Infections

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Glue Ear

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Hearing Loss and Deafness

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Meniere's Disease

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Phonological Disorders

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Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

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Integrative Therapies

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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