Otitis Externa Also called Swimmer’s Ear, this is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by either fungus or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) can provide a breeding ground for these bacteria and fungi. Symptoms include redness of the outer ear; itching in the ear; pain, especially when touching or wiggling the earlobe; drainage from the ear; swollen glands in the neck; a swollen ear canal; hearing loss.
Otitis Media A very common condition involving inflammation of the middle ear and can be classified as either acute otitis media (AOM), or otitis media with effusion (OME) which is a chronic disease. It most commonly affects infants and young children but can affect all age groups. Symptoms of AOM include earache, decreased hearing, fever, unsteadiness, and occasionally liquid discharge if the eardrum bursts. Symptoms of OME include decreased hearing, tinnitus and unsteadiness, but OME can be entirely without symptoms. Effusions (discharges) continue for several weeks after AOM; only 60% of ears with AOM are clear at 2 weeks and 80% are clear by 8 weeks.
Tinnitus (Tinnitis) A sensation of noise (ringing or roaring) that is caused by a bodily condition and can usually only be heard by the person affected.
Vertigo The sensation of spinning or whirling; a state in which you or your surroundings seem to whirl dizzily.
