Treating Conditions of the Ear

At Robb Family ENT, we understand how important your ears and hearing are to your quality of life – which is why we’re so dedicated to maintaining the health of your ears.

Ear Pain

Ear pain has several potential causes, including middle ear infections, negative pressure, insertion of cotton swabs into the ear canal, blunt trauma to the head and problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We’ll pinpoint the cause of your ear pain and provide the appropriate treatment.

Ear Infections

For adults and especially children, ear infections can be very painful, usually due to inflammation and buildup of fluids in the middle ear. Ear infections may clear up on their own, requiring only pain medication. In severe cases and with infants, treatment with antibiotics is generally prescribed. After taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam, we’ll recommend the proper treatment.

Chronic Ear Infections

Sometimes ear infections become a chronic condition, particularly in children, leading to hearing loss, speech problems and other issues. In these cases, insertion of ear tubes – tiny cylinders placed through the eardrums – release pressure, facilitate drainage, allow air to circulate within the middle ear and reduce the risk of future infections. These tubes also restore normal hearing.

Earwax Blockage

Earwax, or cerumen, lubricates and protects the ear canal. But earwax accumulation (cerumen impaction) can result in hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), earache or other symptoms. We’ll evaluate your ears and determine the best method for safe and painless removal of the earwax.

Eardrum Perforations

An eardrum perforation is a hole or tear in the thin tissue, or tympanic membrane, that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. Perforations can cause hearing loss and may make the middle ear more susceptible to infections or injury. While these perforations may heal on their own, surgery may be required to repair the eardrum.

Other Audiological Conditions

Other audiological conditions include sensorineural hearing loss, dizziness/balance issues, and tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears. Click here to read more about these and other topics at the Robb Family ENT Audiology page.