Reconstructive Surgery for the Ears

Reconstruction of the ear can be a complex process. The 3-dimensional nature of the ear with its many curves, peaks, and valleys demand the utmost attention to detail. Yet, as challenging as it may seem, reconstruction of the ear can be made easier and predictable if one understands the surgical principles and anatomy. The techniques discussed in this article address defects that result from skin cancer excision. More than 1 million cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma occur per year in the United States (Miller, 1994). A significant portion of these malignancies arise on the ear because of its exposure to the sun. All areas of the external ear are at risk for skin cancer, and compared with other cancers, these tend to be more aggressive with higher recurrence rates. Given this setting, the defects on the ear can be relatively large.

Reconstruction of the ear is indicated when a defect is present after skin cancer extirpation. The ear surgery methods discussed in this article all follow the principles of Mohs micrographic surgery. Certain small defects may not need reconstruction and can heal by second intention. This concept is also discussed below.

The external ear is composed of skin and cartilage with the supporting nerves and blood vessels. The auricular cartilage provides a framework for the entire ear except the lobule. The tightly adherent skin extending from the preauricular sulcus to the helix produces distinct topographical landmarks on the anterior surface of the ear that are important in understanding and describing the ear . The concavities include the triangular fossa, the scapha, the cymba, and the cavum of the concha. The helix, the antihelix, the tragus, and the antitragus form the convexities. The skin on the posterior (medial) aspect of the ear that extends to the postauricular sulcus is less adherent to the underlying cartilage.

A well-proportioned ear is 50-60% as wide as it is high. The ear is positioned one ear length from the lateral orbital rim, and the top of the ear is level with the eyebrow and tilted back by 20° (Tolleth, 1978).  A pinning of the ears may be required.

The auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of cranial nerve V3 innervates the superior aspect of the anterior surface of the ear. The lesser occipital nerve and the great auricular nerve are both derived from C2 and C3. The lesser occipital nerve innervates the superior aspect of the posterior surface. The great auricular nerve innervates the lower portion of both surfaces. The vagus nerve supplies the concha.

The ear is well vascularized, an important feature because most flaps are based on a random blood supply. The superficial temporal artery and the posterior auricular artery are branches of the external carotid artery and supply the anterior and posterior surfaces, respectively (Salasche, 1988). Because of the rich blood supply and collateralization, anesthetics that contain epinephrine can be used safely.

Reconstruction of the ears has relatively few contraindications. If the patient can tolerate the initial Mohs micrographic surgery, they can usually tolerate the subsequent reconstruction as well, although the complexity of the reconstruction may need to be tailored to the patient’s medical state. In patients whose medical condition precludes surgery, other treatment options, such as irradiation, should be considered.

The patient’s medical history should be assessed prior to surgery. Aspirin and warfarin increase the risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding complications. The use of these medications is not an absolute contraindication for skin surgery, but stopping these treatments prior to surgery is ideal, if possible.

Cosmetic Surgery Facts - Ear Reconstruction
Image and health go hand in hand and many individuals may have something on their body that they wish to alter, to change, and to re-design to their liking. This desire is often coupled with the desire.

Dr Paulose · Lobuloplasty-Repair of Torn Ear Lobe
split ear lobe repair. Injection of local anesthetic numbs the earlobe. Anesthesia wears off after several hours. After surgery most patients do not need pain medication.

Author: Ken K Lee, MD, Associate Professor, Departments of Dermatology, Surgery, and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Director, Dermatologic and Laser Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Technorati Tags: ear lobe repair, reconstruction surgery for the ear, torn earlobe

Earlifts Review

If you find that your  Earlobes are sagging, if they have been torn or the earlobe damaged in some way and you find you have earrings that don’t fit properly in place, wobble, sit a funny angle.  You may want to consider Ear Lifts as an alternative to cosmetic surgery.  Earlifts act as an amazing earring support system that work for any pierced ear. Ear Lifts are subtle easy to work with and invisible.  They will work on every kind of earring hole (studs, hoops, dangles earrings with hooks etc.).  You’ll be able to correct over stretched / droopy  ear lobes. Use is simple, simply  peel & press the round earlift to the back of your earlobe and you are ready to sport your favourite earrings.

The EarLifts themselves are made from a translucent medical grade and hypoallergenic material that is virtually invisible.  It has a special type of adhesive that works with all ski types and will not iritate the delicate skin behind the ears.  With this special adhesive you can secure your earrings and take the pressure off the ear lobe, reducing damage and giving you look you want.   Both comfortable and practical it is an excellent alternative to having ear plastic surgery (Otoplasty) and it a lot cheaper than the cost of Otoplasty.

Ear Lifts — a review « Reviews & Contemplations
So when I was in a store and saw a package of Earlifts (as seen on TV) (caution, EXTREMELY ANNOYING website at the other end of that link) marked down to less than $2, I thought what the hell?

Technorati Tags: earlift, earlifts review, how do ear lifts work, what are earlifts

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon fee for otoplasty in 2004 was $2,339. When anesthesiology and facility fees are accounted for, the procedure can cost as much as $5,000.

Exactly how much your otoplasty surgery costs, will depend on several factors, including:

•     The surgeon’s experience
•     Location of the procedure
•     Extent of the surgery
•     Pre- and post-operative care

It should be remembered that otoplasty, like other plastic surgery procedures, is an individualized procedure, and so the cost will vary from patient to patient.

Reconstructive Ear Surgery Costs

Reconstructive ear surgery cost is usually between $2,000 and $5,000, excluding related fees, such as those for pre- and post-operative care and use of the facilities. Factors that affect the price of an individual surgery include the extent of deformity or injury to the ear, the length of the procedure, and the difficulty involved.

Reconstructive ear surgery often involves taking skin and cartilage from other parts of the body to create a natural-looking ear. Ear reconstruction is a complex procedure, and hence costs more than the cost of ear pinning. In general, otoplasty insurance coverage will not cover procedures done to correct traumatic injuries to the ear.

Otoplasty and Insurance Coverage

The cost of otoplasty can sometimes be offset by insurance, depending on the reason for the procedure. If ear surgery is performed to correct a congenital deformity or defect in the ears, some providers may offer coverage. When otoplasty insurance coverage is sought, insurance carriers should be contacted as early as possible to find out what they will cover. Patients or their family members should also ask the ear surgeon to write a letter to the company to explain the patient’s case.

When otoplasty is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, the cost is usually not covered by insurance companies.

The cost of ear pinning or reconstructive ear surgery may seem unaffordable at first; however, there are solutions available. While not everyone may be eligible for otoplasty insurance coverage, many people can be helped by the various ear surgery financing options available.

Reshaping My Ear with Otoplasty and how much Will It Cost?
Make sure you research the otoplasty cost before seeing your doctor. Cosmetic ear surgery generally takes about two to three hours to perform.

Plastic surgery cost ? plastic surgery fort worth
The costs of plastic surgery vary. They depend on the nature of the procedure and often your location are they beverly hills plastic surgery,pennsylvania plastic surgery or plastic surgery.

Otoplasty Cosmetic Ear Surgery
The candidates for otoplasty are of course those with extremely large ears or those whose ears protrude too far from the side of the head.

Find a Facial Plastic Surgeon in Your City
Ear surgery cost should not prevent patients from seeking ways to improve the appearance of their ears and boost their self-confidence. Find a cosmetic ear surgeon in your area and begin the process of having corrective ear surgery today.  Article by: http://www.docshop.com

Technorati Tags: otoplasty costs, otoplasty price, otoplasty prices

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14 years old. Teasing and ridiculing due to the size of the child’s ears, which are almost fully grown by age four, can be minimized with an early procedure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient, in part because the ears are already fully grown.

If you are considering otoplasty for either you or your childs ear tube ,the information below will help provide you with a basic overview of the procedure, including the conditions that it may be able to assist with, how the surgery is performed, and what can be expected for the results of the procedure. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. If you do not understand any aspect of the surgery, make sure to ask your doctor or obtain a surgical consultation.

When ear surgery is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor, if they occur at all. However, risk are associated with surgery, and, as with any surgical procedure, specific complications may potentially arise.

A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.

There is a small chance that an infection in the cartilage can develop, occasionally forming scar tissue. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area. Otherwise otoplasty surgery recovery is normal.

Doctors and surgeons will generally encourage parents to stay alert regarding their child’s feelings about their own protruding ears; don’t insist on the surgery until your child wants the change, as urging the child to proceed with the procedure could increase the child’s self-consciousness about their ears. Children who feel uncomfortable about the size of their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

During your first meeting with the surgeon, your condition (or that of your child) will be evaluated, and the most effective technique will be recommended. The cost of the otoplasty will be discussed then the surgeon will also be able to provide more detailed information and instructions on how you should prepare for surgery. 

Your insurance policy may cover an otoplasty procedure. Please check with your insurance company for more detailed information about coverage.

Instructor Richard: Instructions for Equalizing Ears and Sinuses
From my years of teaching scuba diving, 80% of beginner’s problem is ear pain when descend. Middle ear and sinus pressure are the most common injuries associated with increasing.

Scuba Diving » Blog Archive » How can i prevent my ears hurting
For equalizing your ear drums in diving coursethe instructor will teach you the first few meters underwaterwith serious consequences to the technicals for equalizing your internal ears.

How long after an Otoplasty can I begin lifting weights again
Patients have been visiting his state-of-the-art Chicago plastic surgery facility for a variety of cosmetic surgery procedurces.  Info on optoplasty recovery times and more.

By: Dave Stringham Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Technorati Tags: ear canal reconstruction, ear reduction surgery, otoplasty procedure

How Ear Surgery, Or Otoplasty, Can Have Lasting Affects

Ear surgery can be performed to reposition protruding ears, correct deformities or awkward folding, adjust the contour or the size of the ear, or repair torn earlobes. The goal is not to improve hearing; but instead to improve the appearance, which may result in a dramatic increase in self-confidence. Ear surgery is the only cosmetic procedure that is performed more frequently on children than it is on adults. Many parents opt to have their child’s ears reconstructed at an early age before they reach the critical teen years. A child’s ears are fully developed by the age of four, and are much more pliable at an early age, making it easier to reconstruct.

Ear surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and generally takes around 2 hours to complete. Your doctor will thoroughly walk you through the procedure in your initial consultation, and will share with you steps leading up to the procedure, and care in the days and weeks following the surgery.

Your doctor will be able to answer all of your questions before surgery; but to give you an idea of various procedures, and otoplasty surgery costs . Look at these three examples.

Many people are self conscious of protruding ears. Cosmetic surgery for ears may be right for you. To reposition a prominent or protruding portion of the ear, and contour it closer to your head, your surgeon will make a small incision behind the ear, exposing the ear cartilage. The cartilage is then sculpted to bend the ear back closer to the head, making them less prominent and creating a less noticeable first impression.

Ear deformities such as "lop-ear deformity," can be corrected by placing permanent stitches in the upper ear cartilage to create a fold. As the scar tissue from the surgery forms, the folds will be reinforced. Other deformities, whether congenital or due to trauma, are often corrected using a patients’ own soft tissue or rib cartilage, or occasionally an implant. The patient’s ear will be surgically opened and reshaped to look similar to the other ear.

Another common procedure for the ear is to repair torn ear lobes. Your doctor will begin by cutting a small notch on the torn portion of the lobe, and meticulously stitch the lobe back together again. Your ear should be fully healed in about 6 weeks, and ready for re-piercing, if desired.

Complications associated with ear surgery are extremely rare. Occasionally a patient may develop a blood clot, or may experience an infection of the cartilage. These can all be treated fairly quickly with medication. Note Hearing loss is extremely uncommon

Because many of the patients seeking this type of surgery are young, your doctor may have a few questions to determine if the surgery is right for you. A candidate must be in good health, and have no scarring around the ear. The patient must also be able to understand the surgery and the post surgical requirements. Recovery from otoplasty may take two weeks or more, and may require wearing a headband or soft bandage around the ears at bedtime, to help keep the ears positioned correctly through healing.

After postoperative care, you will notice an immediate change in looks, and possibly in attitude. Both children and adults alike report more confidence and in general feeling better about the way they look after the surgery.

Blepharoplasty before and after photo
Before and after pictures of rhinoplasty, facelifts, blepharoplasty, laser surgery, otoplasty, chin augmentation, liposuction, asian surgery, botox, restylane, artesense and lip.

Otoplasty Ear Surgery
This site provides essential information for anyone considering Otoplasty Ear Surgery or Ear Pinning, including Otoplasty before and after pictures, Ear Surgery price and financing options.

By: Dr Randolph Robinson Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery offers you two of today’s top doctors in the field of cosmetic surgery. Dr Randolph Robinson and Dr Jeremy Williams provide a variety of cosmetic procedures, including ear surgery and liposuction. 

Technorati Tags: ear plastic surgery, saratoga springs otoplasty

What Is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of prominent or protruding ears. It is one of the few cosmetic surgeries that can be performed on children, since an individual’s ears typically stop growing by age five. Children and adults with severely protruding ears are often the subject of persistent teasing by their peers, resulting in psychological stress and mental anguish. Ear Surgery can eliminate this problem by pinning protruding ears back so they lie closer to the head. In fact, it is recommended that children with severely protruding ears undergo otoplasty at a very young age so the problem can be corrected before any teasing begins. Young children also tend to recover faster than do adults, making it an ideal time to perform the surgery.

Most ear surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, although some doctors prefer to keep children overnight for extra monitoring. The surgery itself is usually only one to two hours long, depending on the complexity of the procedure. General anesthetic is recommended for young children. Older children and adults will generally undergo otoplasty with just a local anesthetic to numb the ear and the surrounding tissue. A two to three inch long incision is made in the natural crease just behind the ear to hide the incision from view. This exposes the underlying cartilage, a soft pliable tissue that gives the ear its unique shape. Depending on the extent of the protrusion, the doctor will either weaken the cartilage and bend it into its new shape or remove excess cartilage to achieve the desired results. The cartilage is secured using permanent sutures to keep it from moving back into its natural shape. Once the cartilage is secure, the incision is closed and sewn back up.

Following the surgery, patients wear a thick, tight dressing to cover and protect their ears. After a few days, a more lightweight bandage can be used. Ear surgery patients may find they experience mild to moderate discomfort during the first several days of the healing process, but this pain can be easily controlled by over the counter medications such as Tylenol or through a doctor-prescribed prescription pain reliever. Recovering patients may find it difficult to sleep initially, since many people rest their head on their ears while sleeping. A soft pillow may help to alleviate some of this discomfort. Sutures are removed approximately one week after the procedure, assuming the surgeon did not use dissolvable sutures.

Complications arising from ear surgery are rare, but like any surgery otoplasty is not completely risk free. Your surgeon will discuss potential side-effects of the procedure with you in advance of the day of your surgery so you are aware of what to expert post-surgery, and so you have realistic expectations of the procedure. Complications may include nerve damage that results in a temporary loss of sensation in the ears, scarring, infection, ear fluids, a localized reaction to the sutures used, or asymmetry of the ears (which may require an ear lift surgery).

Individuals interested in learning more about ear surgery and how it can improve their appearance should make an appointment with a plastic surgeon with strong track record of successful otoplasty experience.

NYY: Why you Shouldnt Use Acne Treatment Products & Ear Pinning
Ear Pinning Surgery - Otoplasty. Author: Dave Stringham. Ear surgery or otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

Ear Operations are Among the Easiest and Fastest Plastic
Tired of having ears operations that noticeably protrude? Are your ears uneven? Then there’s good news: plastic and reconstructive surgery involving ear correction is one of the simplest operations.

By: Gray Rollins - Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Technorati Tags: ear operations and ear surgery, plastic surgery ears

Ear surgery can be performed to reposition protruding ears, correct deformities or awkward folding, adjust the contour or the size of the ear, or repair torn earlobes. The goal is not to improve hearing; but instead to improve the appearance, which may result in a dramatic increase in self-confidence. Otoplasty surgery is the only cosmetic procedure that is performed more frequently on children than it is on adults. Many parents opt to have their child’s ears reconstructed at an early age before they reach the critical teen years. A child’s ears are fully developed by the age of four, and are much more pliable at an early age, making it easier to reconstruct.

Ear surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and generally takes around 2 hours to complete. Your otoplasty surgeon will thoroughly walk you through the full otoplasty procedure in your initial consultation, and will share with you steps leading up to the procedure, and care in the days and weeks following the surgery.

Your ear Dr will be able to answer all of your questions before surgery; but to give you an idea of various procedures, look at these three examples. Please note these surgeries are not performed for patients who have experienced sudden hearing loss or have symptoms of brain damage.

Many people are self conscious of protruding ears. To reposition a prominent or protruding portion of the ear, and contour it closer to your head, your surgeon will make a small incision behind the ear, exposing the ear cartilage. The cartilage is then sculpted to bend the ear back closer to the head, making them less prominent and creating a less noticeable first impression.

Ear deformities such as "lop-ear deformity," can be corrected by placing permanent stitches in the upper ear cartilage to create a fold. As the scar tissue from the surgery forms, the folds will be reinforced. Other deformities, whether congenital or due to trauma, are often corrected using a patients’ own soft tissue or rib cartilage, or occasionally an implant. The patient’s ear will be surgically opened and reshaped to look similar to the other ear.

Another common procedure for the ear is to repair torn ear lobes. Your surgeon will begin by cutting a small notch on the torn portion of the lobe, and meticulously stitch the lobe back together again. Your ear should be fully healed in about 6 weeks, and ready for re-piercing, if desired.

Complications associated on ear surgery are extremely rare. Occasionally a patient may develop a blood clot, or may experience an infection of the cartilage. These can all be treated fairly quickly with medication.

Because many of the patients seeking this type of surgery are young, your doctor / surgeon may have a few questions to determine if the otoplasty procedure is right for you. A candidate must be in good health, and have no scarring around the ear. The patient must also be able to understand the surgery and the post surgical requirements. Recovery may take two weeks or more, and may require wearing a headband or soft bandage around the ears at bedtime, to help keep the ears positioned correctly through healing. Do not insert ear plugs especially children.

After postoperative care, you will notice an immediate change in looks, and possibly in attitude. Both children and adults alike report more confidence and in general feeling better about the way they look after the surgery.

A new technique for repair of acquired split-ear-lobe deformity
Summary: Background: Split-ear-lobe repair is one of the commonest requests in cosmetic facial surgery. Frequently, the ear lobe split is prone to recurrence following surgery.

Pin back your ears. This is going to be a long one.
Today my third day back at work and I woke groggy eyed at seven am and incoherent with drool. Jumped in the shower and then went down and waited patiently for the coffee pot to boil.

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons: There Are a Variety of Ear Problems
Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear".

By: Dr Randolph Robinson Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com. Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery offers you two of today’s top doctors in the field of cosmetic surgery. Dr Randolph Robinson and Dr Jeremy Williams provide a variety of cosmetic procedures, including ear surgery and liposuction.

Technorati Tags: ear lobe surgery, otoplasty recovery, otoplasty surgeon

What Is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of prominent or protruding ears. It is one of the few cosmetic surgeries that can be performed on children, since an individual’s ears typically stop growing by age five. Children and adults with severely protruding ears are often the subject of persistent teasing by their peers, resulting in psychological stress and mental anguish. Ear Surgery can eliminate this problem by pinning protruding ears back so they lie closer to the head. In fact, it is recommended that children with severely protruding ears undergo otoplasty at a very young age so the problem can be corrected before any teasing begins. Young children also tend to recover faster than do adults, making it an ideal time to perform the surgery.

Most ear surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, although some doctors prefer to keep children overnight for extra monitoring. The surgery itself is usually only one to two hours long, depending on the complexity of the procedure. General anesthetic is recommended for young children. Older children and adults will generally undergo otoplasty with just a local anesthetic to numb the ear and the surrounding tissue. A two to three inch long incision is made in the natural crease just behind the ear to hide the incision from view. This exposes the underlying cartilage, a soft pliable tissue that gives the ear its unique shape. Depending on the extent of the protrusion, the otoplasty doctor will either weaken the cartilage and bend it into its new shape or remove excess cartilage to achieve the desired results. The cartilage is secured using permanent sutures to keep it from moving back into its natural shape. Once the cartilage is secure, the incision is closed and sewn back up.

Following the surgery, patients wear a thick, tight dressing to cover and protect their ears. After a few days, a more lightweight bandage can be used. Ear surgery patients may find they experience mild to moderate discomfort during the first several days of the healing process, but this pain can be easily controlled by over the counter medications such as Tylenol or through a doctor-prescribed prescription pain reliever.

Patients recovering from otoplasty surgery may find it difficult to sleep initially, since many people rest their head on their ears while sleeping. A soft pillow may help to alleviate some of this discomfort. Sutures are removed approximately one week after the procedure, assuming the surgeon did not use dissolvable sutures.

Complications arising from ear surgery are rare, but like any surgery otoplasty is not completely risk free. Your surgeon will discuss potential side-effects of the procedure with you in advance of the day of your surgery so you are aware of what to expert post-surgery, and so you have realistic expectations of the procedure. Complications may include nerve damage that results in a temporary loss of sensation in the ears, scarring, infection, ear band, a localized reaction to the sutures used, or asymmetry of the ears.

Individuals interested in learning more about ear surgery and how it can improve their appearance should make an appointment with a plastic surgeon with strong track record of successful otoplasty experience.

Plastic Surgery: Incision - less Otoplasty
We are finding this procedure is well tolerated and creates a natural looking ear with less recovery time. The plastic surgical procedure takes about an hour. Of course if the conchal bowl.

By: Gray Rollins - Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Gray Rollins is a writer for Cosmetic Surgery Help. To learn more about ear surgery and ear surgery prices.

Technorati Tags: mmt m&t ear surgery, otoplasty in charleston sc

Ear is an important sensory organ in the body. There are a number of different ear problems.   Some problems require surgery on the ear, others may be treated without medical procedures.  Often problems with the inner ear  need surgery to improve hearing.    Note the Difference between Otoplasty surgery and a surgery performed for hearing.  Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery with the primary focus being on changing or reconstructing the external ear.  Inner ear procedures are often done out of necessity in order to improve the individual’s ability to hear properly. Read on to know in detail…

The ability to hear is one of the five important senses, human beings are blessed with. These senses enable us to lead a normal, healthy life. Through hearing ability, we can communicate with others and enjoy so many things. The ear is not only the organ of hearing, but it plays an important role in maintaining balance of the body. Ear comprises three main parts: outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear constitutes pinna and ear canal. The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The middle ear, located behind the eardrum, consists of three small bones called malleus, incus and stapes. The inner ear plays a significant role in hearing and balancing, as it consists of balance organs and nerves essential for hearing. Normal functioning of the ear depends upon a proper working of all these parts of the auditory pathway. Since ear is a very delicate organ, it is damaged by various reasons and loses its normal functioning.

There are a number of problems associated with external, middle and inner ear, that do not need ear surgery which includie ear infections, hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, migraine associated vertigo and tinnitus. Following is the list of different ear problems:

Ear Infections

Ear infections are mainly caused by bacterial, fungal or viral infections and can affect external, middle or inner ear. They cause symptoms like ear pain, fever, ear blockage, temporary hearing loss and dizziness.

Otitis externa: Infection of external ear is known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. It is mainly caused by bacteria, or sometimes by fungi. Excess moisture in the ear due to swimming or humid weather makes the ear more vulnerable for bacterial infection. Frequent swimming, accumulation of earwax and skin allergies are the risk factors for otitis externa. It causes severe pain, itching, swelling and redness in the outer ear and lifts the ear.

Otitis media: The inflammation of middle ear is referred to as otitis media. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections. It can be acute (rapid onset and for short duration) or chronic (persistent inflammation for longer duration). Middle ear infection results from food and airborne allergies, infections, nutritional deficiency and blockage of eustachian tube. It causes symptoms such as severe pain, irritability, hearing loss and tinnitus. In chronic otitis media, there is secretion of fluid from the lining of the middle ear. The secretion becomes thick like glue, resulting in glue ear, which can lead to temporary hearing loss.

Otitis interna: Inner ear infections are referred to as otitis interna or labyrinthitis. It usually results from the infections in other body parts like throat infection or sinus infection. Otitis interna causes symptoms like dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hearing loss and tinnitus.

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss means total or partial hearing inability in one or both ears. It may be temporary or permanent. There are different types of hearing loss such as conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, functional hearing loss, central hearing loss and mixed hearing loss. The main causes of hearing impairment are ear infections, damage to ear, aging, genetic conditions like hereditary nephritis, Cockayne syndrome, Hurler syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta as well as some congenital factors like fetal iodine deficiency effects and premature birth. Use of ototoxic drugs like certain antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs and traumatic injuries like barotraumas, skull fracture and traumatic perforation of eardrum are also responsible for hearing loss.

Temporary hearing loss and noise is due to an exposure to loud sounds, ear blockage due to accumulation of ear wax, middle ear infections and damage to the auditory nerve in the brain or the sensory structures of the inner ear due to infections, tumors or skull injuries. Temporary hearing loss also results from some autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. Sudden hearing loss is caused by trauma, certain infectious diseases, neurological causes like multiple sclerosis, abnormal tissue growth, circulatory problems in the inner ear and certain medications like birth control pills.

Tinnitus

Ringing or noise in the ears is known as tinnitus. Inner ear cell damage is the most common cause of tinnitus. Tinnitus is caused by a number of health conditions. Other causes are ear injuries, age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, earwax blockage, neurological disorders and changes in ear bones or otosclerosis. Meniere’s disease, head injuries and acoustis neuroma are the less common causes of tinnitus. Certain medications like antibiotics such as erythromycin and chloramphenicol, diuretics, cancer medications and quinine medications can also cause ringing in the ears. Tinnitus causes the irritating sensation of hearing sounds and noises like ringing, clicking, roaring, buzzing or whistling.

Meniere’s Disease

It is one of the inner ear problems, associated with the system in the inner ear that regulates the fluid balancing. Meniere’s disease is characterized by recurring attacks of vertigo, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. It also causes tinnitus, hearing loss, ear fullness, sweating and uncontrollable eye movements. The main reasons of Meniere’s disease are middle ear infection, head injury and syphilis. Allergies, smoking, recent viral infections, respiratory infections and use of certain medications like aspirin increase the risk of Meniere’s disease.

Hearing problems affect not only your health, but also your lifestyle. Therefore, you should take appropriate precautions to prevent ear problems and eliminate their causes. Protect your ears by avoiding exposure to loud sounds. As soon as you notice any problem in the ears, immediately consult the ear & sinus doctor.

Otoplasty: The Surgery and Aftercare
Mild pain medication is prescribed to treat any discomfort experienced following otoplasty surgery. A protective head band is worn post-operatively for a minimum of two weeks.

Teenager almost deaf after waiting too long for ear drum surgery
In the latest bungle involving an Australian hospital, a teenage boy in Tasmania has reportedly waited so long for surgery to repair his perforated ear drum that he is almost deaf.

Hearing Aids Aren’t All The Same
The fact is that as our population ages, hearing aids are becoming ever more common. There are several varieties of hearing aids available. The kind of hearing aid you might need.

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Published: 2/13/2009

Technorati Tags: blocked ear, get rid of pullgged ears, otoplasty surgeries, surgery for hearing, surgery on the eardrum, unplug ears

Otoplasty Basics - Ear Pinning

The one feature you do not want to ’stick out’ is definitely your ears. People with protruding ears are often teased and ridiculed from a very early age for standing out just a little too much. Otoplasty or ear pinning is one of the few cosmetic surgery procedures available that is more beneficial psychologically and physically when performed at a young age rather than as an adult. But no matter what your age is, otoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Otoplasty is most commonly performed to address the degree to which the ears protrude from the side of the head, but it can also re-sculpt and shape the ears, correct defects, and reduce the overall size. Normally both ears will have to be operated in order to achieve symmetry and facial balance.

In children, the cartilage is particularly soft and malleable, allowing for easier manipulation. Adults have firmer cartilage, which may cause some reshaping restrictions.

During the reconstruction of the ear, the patient will be put under general anesthesia and a small incision will be placed in the crease that is between the outer edge of the ear and the head. Cartilage and skin will be either reshaped or removed creating a reduction in the ear appearance. The procedure will last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Most ear surgeons recommend parents to stay alert about their child’s feelings on protruding ears, and do not insist them on the change until they want it. Children might find the recovery process more difficult than adults. Because no pressure can be applied to the area for up to two weeks, sleeping positions will have to be adjusted in order to accommodate the ears. They will also be tender and sore for two to three weeks afterwards. Dressing will be applied for the first few days after surgery. It is best, especially in the case of children, to plan for at least three weeks off before returning to normal activities.

The recovery period might be daunting, but the good news is that there are minimal risks involved and the signs of surgery are nearly invisible. Few people have complications that exceed minor bleeding, bruising, and swelling, all of which are common after any surgery. In some rare cases hematoma has occurred. Excessive scarring is uncommon, and since the incision is placed at the fold behind the ear, no one will be able to see it. In fact, besides a bit of a lift to the ear, the results are usually so subtle, that no one will even suspect that you had any surgery at all.

 Ear surgeon make huge improvements in both children and adults, resulting in confidence and raised esteem. Research your options carefully. If you are considering surgery for your child, it is important to educate them about the procedure and have them involved in the process. Ensure that both you and your child’s expectations from the outcome are realistic and be prepared to take the necessary time off to assist your child in the recovery process. The more prepared you and your child are, the greater your chance of success.

Ear Pinning: The Surgery
Some times as large piece of the cartilage is removed to give a more natural looking fold, when the surgery is complete. In another technique, a similar incision is made in the back of the ear.

Ear Pinning Surgery
What is involved for a typical ear pinning surgery? This video shows one woman’s surgery. Plastic Surgery Journey (Dallas, Texas): Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) - video powered by Metacafe. This type of cosmetic surgery can help.

There Are a Variety of Ear Problems that Ear Pinning Can Help
Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear," .

By: A Aaronson Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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