Ear conditions
It’s easy to take the wonderful things our ears do for granted. But when something isn't quite right with your ears, it can have quite an impact on your day-to-day life. Ear problems can be very pleasant and uncomfortable in both children and adults.
As a specialist ENT, Dr Setoaba is trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing problems. If you experience difficulty with your ears, such as hearing problems or loss of balance, an ENT specialist can diagnose the condition and provide the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is one of the most common ear problems that cause people to seek treatment. There are three main types of hearing loss; sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss (a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss).
Sensorineural hearing occurs when there are problems with the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss involves damage to the nerves from exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss), or it may be related to ageing.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem conducting soundwaves- it results from issues with an ear canal, eardrum, ear and/or the three bones connected to the eardrum. Often there is a buildup of fluid or ear wax in the ear, which must be removed.
Other ear conditions:
Dr Setoaba also treats the following conditions:
- Balance Disorders
- Labyrinthitis
- Meniere's Disease
- Vestibular
- Cholesteatoma
- Ear Infections
- Middle Ear Infections
- Outer Ear Infections
- Vertigo
- Ear Ringing (tinnitus)
- Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
- Otitis Media (inflammation in the middle of ear)
- Blocked ears
Treatments for ear conditions
Ear conditions can range from simple to complex. For instance, most ear infections get better on their own or with antibiotics. For chronic ear infections or other ear conditions, Dr Setoaba may suggest making lifestyle changes, decongestant medications, and treating contributing sinus or allergy disorders. For more severe issues, Dr Setoaba may suggest surgery. Depending on the complexity of the condition, ear surgeries can be performed either through a hidden incision behind the ear or via the ear canal.
Dr Setoaba offers the following treatments for ear problems:
- Ear Surgery
- Ear Tubes
- Eardrum Perforations
- Antibiotics
- Decongestants
- Grommets (ventilation tubes for ears)
- Cochlear implants (hearing aids)