Some of the health problems postponed instead of going to the hospital due to the epidemic disease of the century Covid-19 infection include ear diseases and hearing problems.
However, Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer “We have seen that the problems related to hearing, especially during the Covid pandemic, have been postponed for the last year. However, delayed complaints can lead to the progression of the diseases or to a permanent deterioration in the quality of life of the individual by increasing their severity. A possible problem in the ear, which is our hearing and balance organ, can lead to many important diseases. " says. ENT Specialist Assoc. Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer explained the 3 most common ear diseases, made important warnings and suggestions in a statement she made as part of the World Ear and Hearing Day on 5 March.
Ear congestion
It often occurs due to the accumulation of ear secretions in the external ear canal. This secretion produced in the external ear canal is usually thrown out by itself, but in cases such as narrow ear canal and foreign body insertion into the ear canal, this secretion can be pushed deeper and cause obstruction in the ear canal. In this case, an otolaryngologist usually needs to remove the stuck and usually hardened secretion. This stuck secretion can lead to congestion, pain, and even hearing loss in the individual's ear.
Ear tract infections
The external auditory canal can be affected by various bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It usually occurs after local trauma (eg scratching) and contact of the ear canal with contaminated water. In skin-related diseases such as ear eczema, if the individual trauma the ear after scratching, serious ear canal infections may occur. While ear pain and edema in the ear are seen as the main complaint, even touching the auricle or jaw movement can increase the pain. As the infection progresses, it can lead to hearing loss, growth and pain in the lymph nodes around the ear or in the neck due to discharge and accumulation in the ear canal. ENT Specialist Assoc. Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer “One of the important points that should not be forgotten is that especially in individuals with suppressed immune system and uncontrolled diabetes, ear canal infections persist for a long time and create a difficult picture to manage. Therefore, it is very important that the ear canal is not exposed to trauma. In addition, shingles can be seen in the ear canal, and this picture can be accompanied by unilateral facial paralysis and hearing loss. " says.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is a problem encountered in almost every age group. When it affects both ears, it causes serious health problems. While hearing loss in adults can be seen in a wide range such as trauma, infection, toxic causes, vascular diseases, genetic reasons and immunological reasons, advanced age-related hearing loss and noise-related hearing loss are two common causes. Stating that hearing loss causes social isolation and loneliness, especially in elderly individuals, and paves the way for the illnesses associated with forgetfulness to progress worse, ENT Specialist Assoc. Dr. Emphasizing that sudden hearing loss should not be neglected, Deniz Tuna Edizer says: “Sudden hearing loss is generally defined as hearing loss that occurs in one ear within three days and causes a loss of at least 30 decibels. For example; When the individual woke up one morning, suddenly, hearing in one ear decreased or even started not to hear at all. Hearing loss may be accompanied by dizziness and tinnitus. Individuals with mild sudden hearing loss may also complain that a ringing in one ear started suddenly. After the history, physical examination and hearing test, the diagnosis becomes definite and the necessary imaging methods are requested and appropriate treatment is started. Starting treatment within 7-10 days after the occurrence of the complaint is important for the success of the treatment. "
Dizziness
ENT Specialist Assoc. Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer “Dizziness, which can be defined as the perception of motion without moving, is a common complaint in the society. It can occur depending on many diseases. The main features of ear-induced dizziness include the feeling of spinning, nausea and vomiting, and the absence of accompanying double vision or speech impairment. BPPV, also known as crystal shift in the society, is an inflammation of the balance nerve, and Meniere's disease is one of the most common ear-induced dizziness. These pictures usually cause sudden dizziness and create significant anxiety in the individual. It is important to obtain information about the general health status of the individual in sudden onset of dizziness, to use simple bedside examination findings and, if necessary, imaging methods. Crystal shift (BPPV), which can be corrected with a single maneuver, can cause dizziness in a wide range of diseases such as significant vascular occlusions in the brain. says.
Facial paralysis
Facial paralysis can occur due to diseases of the brain, brain stem, ear and salivary glands. Ear-related facial paralysis usually occurs with the eye and mouth affected in one half of the face. Complaints such as the inability to close the eyes and the outflow of saliva from the mouth due to mouth movement disorder are seen in the individual. In unilateral facial paralysis that occurs suddenly, pain behind the ear, facial pain / numbness can accompany the picture. Some causally activated viruses are held responsible. After the diagnosis, treatment should be started without delay. Surgical method can also be used in the treatment of facial paralysis, especially in the presence of chronic otitis media previously diagnosed in the individual.
Some of the health problems postponed instead of going to the hospital due to the epidemic disease of the century Covid-19 infection include ear diseases and hearing problems. However, Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer “We have seen that the problems related to hearing, especially during the Covid pandemic, have been postponed for the last year. However, delayed complaints can lead to the progression of the diseases or to a permanent deterioration in the quality of life of the individual by increasing their severity. A possible problem in the ear, which is our hearing and balance organ, can lead to many important diseases. " says. ENT Specialist Assoc. Dr. Deniz Tuna Edizer explained the 3 most common ear diseases, made important warnings and suggestions in a statement she made as part of the World Ear and Hearing Day on 5 March.