{"id":146,"date":"2019-12-17T16:06:50","date_gmt":"2019-12-18T00:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nwearinstitute.fm1.dev\/ear-conditions\/"},"modified":"2022-02-10T14:15:13","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T22:15:13","slug":"ear-conditions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nwearinstitute.com\/ear-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Ear Conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Parts of the Ear and their Functions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ear consists of three sections: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Each plays an important role in hearing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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OUTER EAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The outer ear<\/strong> is\ncalled the auricle or pinna. It is the external portion visible to others and\nis responsible for collecting sound waves and funneling them into the ear\ncanal. There, they are amplified and sent to the eardrum, causing it to\nvibrate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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MIDDLE EAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The middle ear<\/strong>\nconsists of the auditory canal and tympanic membrane. When the eardrum\nvibrates, it stimulates movement of the ossicles, a trio of tiny bones. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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INNER EAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The inner ear<\/strong> contains the cochlea, a fluid-filled\nstructure where vibrations transmitted from the eardrum cause hair cells to\nmove. This movement is converted to electrical impulses that traverse up the\nauditory nerve to the brain. There, the brain interprets the electrical\nimpulses as sound and the hearing process is complete.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When Should You Seek treatment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Acoustic Neuromas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A benign tumor of the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear\nand the brain is known as an acoustic neuroma. While they are noncancerous,\nthey can affect both hearing and balance, and may cause hearing loss, tinnitus\nand dizziness. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Cholesteatoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While a cholesteatoma starts as a small cyst in the middle ear,\nthis abnormal skin growth can increase in size and destroy the small bones of\nthe middle ear. This can lead to hearing loss, facial paralysis and even a\nbrain abscess. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ear Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ear infections occur in the middle\near when fluid becomes trapped following a viral or bacterial\ninfection. The signs of an ear infection are pain and pressure in the\near, fluid drainage, a low-grade fever and hearing loss. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Balance Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A balance disorder is caused by anything that\naffects the inner ear or the brain such as medications, ear infections or head\ninjuries. Symptoms includes: vertigo, feeling as if you are going to fall,\nlightheadedness, faintness, a floating sensation, blurred vision, confusion or\ndisorientation. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tinnitus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tinnitus is described as a ringing, hissing or\nbuzzing in the ears. This perception of sound may affect one or both ears, and\ncan range from a minor nuisance to a constant distraction. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our team is trained to diagnose and treat ear disorders that occur in the inner, outer and middle ear. At Northwest Ear Institute, we\u2019ve been providing care for patients in the Portland area for more than 15 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(503) 444-7676<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Get In Touch With Us<\/h2>\n\t\t