Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
Ear problems may be caused by many different health problems. In children, ear pain is more likely to be a symptom of an inflammation, infection, or fluid buildup in the external or middle ear. But ear pain at any age may be a symptom of:
Ear problems caused by an injury to the ear can occur at any age. Common injuries include the following:
A fall or a forceful, direct blow to the side of the head can
burst the eardrum or damage the tiny bones in the inner ear that send sound to the brain. An injury during contact sports can cause an injury, such as "cauliflower" ear from wrestling.
Loud noises or explosions can damage the eardrum (
Atmospheric pressure changes (barotrauma) can cause problems with the eustachian tube and trap air in or keep air out of the middle ear. Middle ear problems can be severe (for example, the eardrum can burst or the middle ear can fill with blood or pus) or mild and only be felt as changes in pressure. Cuts or scrapes may injure the outside of the ear or ear canal. For more information, see the topic
Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear). Cleaning the ear canal too often, too forcefully, or with a cotton swab, bobby pin, or sharp fingernail can cause irritation or injury.
frostbite can cause ear injuries (thermal injuries). Objects placed in the ear can cause injury to the ear canal or the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
Hearing loss often comes with age. As people get older, ear problems are more likely to be related to:
Heredity. The age of onset and how quickly the
hearing loss progresses can often be determined by studying family members with hearing loss. The buildup of
earwax. For more information, see the topic Earwax. Exposure to loud noises, such as setting off an air bag during a car crash, machines at work, power tools, gunshots, or loud music.
Other serious medical problems, such as
Ménière's disease or an acoustic neuroma.
Skin reaction ( dermatitis) on the outside of the ear or in the ear canal from perfume, hair dye, or wearing hearing aids.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
June 04, 2014
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older Topics