Ears

Ears

Middle ear infection

Middle ear infection or otitis media is commonly caused by bacteria or viral infections. This infection is more common in children than adults. Dr Shahidi will perform a physical examination using an otoscope which is a medical device used to look into the ears. If the ear has a red bulge, air bubbles or fluid this will indicate that the ear is infected. Generally an ear infection is treated with antibiotics, pain and fever medication may be prescribed in conjunction with the antibiotics. If the antibiotics do not clear the infection Dr Shahidi may suggest surgery. An early diagnosis and treatment generally alleviates hearing loss that can be associated with this condition.

External Ear Infection

External ear infection or otitis externa is more common in adults, particularly in swimmers, and infection is caused by contaminated water that is trapped in the ear. It is an extremely painful condition. Dr Shahidi will perform a physical examination he can then diagnose otitis externa. He may take a microbiological swab to determine the exact nature of the infection. The treatment involves correct diagnosis and performing a thorough ear toilet and cleaning using specialised equipment. Sometimes it is necessary to pack the ear with antibiotics.

Perforated Eardrum

Infection of the middle ear is by and large the most common cause of a perforated eardrum. These infections caused by viruses or bacteria increase the pressure behind the eardrum and are extremely painful. This pressure causes the drum to stretch and when it can no longer stretch the drum will tear or rupture. When this occurs the pain often subsides as the pressure is relieved but this is not always the case. There are many reasons why the eardrum can rupture for example a fall on the side of the head or a sharp object such as a cotton-tipped swab that has penetrated the ear too deeply can cause perforation. Sometimes rapid changes in pressure such as scuba diving, sky diving or air travel can cause the eardrum to rupture. Dr Shahidi will perform a physical examination using an otoscope which is a medical device used to look into the ears to ascertain if the eardrum is perforated. Surgery may be required if the perforation is large or hasn’t healed. Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic but most patients are discharged from hospital or clinic on the same day.

Otoplasty

Otoplasty or Ear Pinning Surgery corrects deformities or defects to the external ears and improves the ears aesthetically. Ear defects tend to run in families and Otoplasty can help improve abnormally-shaped ears, for the young or old. It is a relatively easy facial cosmetic procedure and can dramatically enhance the appearance and the emotional well-being of the patient.