What are the common ear diseases?

Apr 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

35-year-old male, recently experiencing frequent ear fullness, occasional tinnitus, and sometimes mild pain. This situation worries me. What ear diseases could this indicate?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng

There are various types of ear diseases, commonly including external otitis, otitis media, tinnitus, hearing loss, Ménière's disease, and cerumen impaction. External otitis is usually caused by bacterial infection or excessive cleaning, and is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the ear canal. Otitis media is often triggered by colds or other upper respiratory infections, with symptoms including ear pain, hearing loss, and fluid accumulation in the ear. Tinnitus may result from noise exposure, ear diseases, or systemic conditions, and is often perceived as abnormal sounds in the ear or head. Hearing loss can be caused by aging, prolonged exposure to loud noises, or ear diseases. Ménière's disease is an inner ear disorder commonly accompanied by vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss. Cerumen impaction occurs when excessive earwax accumulates, causing a feeling of ear fullness and impaired hearing.

If ear discomfort occurs, it is recommended to visit the otorhinolaryngology department at a hospital as soon as possible for examination and accurate diagnosis before receiving targeted treatment. In daily life, maintain ear cleanliness but avoid frequent ear picking to prevent injury to the ear canal. Reducing prolonged exposure to high-decibel noise environments can help protect hearing. Individuals experiencing tinnitus or hearing loss should try to avoid excessive mental stress and ensure adequate sleep.