b. Causes. Included are the following:
(1)
Malformation of the external or middle ear present from birth.
(2) Trauma to the tympanic membrane or the ossicular chain (the three
small bones of the ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) which form a bony chain across the
middle ear chamber and conduct sound waves from the tympanic membrane (eardrum)
to the oval window).
(3)
Inflammatory ear diseases.
(4) Otosclerosis (spongy bone forming and growing in the capsule of the
middle ear interfering with conduction of sound waves and resulting in gradual hearing
loss).
(5) Use gentle pressure when flushing the liquid into the ear canal. Strong
pressure of liquid may only force the object deeper into the ear.
c. Treatment. Resolve the ear infection if there is one. Surgery can sometimes
repair defects the patient is born with or acquired abnormalities of the external ear canal
or middle ear structure which interfere with hearing.
4-13. FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR
a. Description. Foreign objects are sometimes blown into the ear by
explosions, etc. Such objects must be removed or damage to the ear parts or loss of
hearing can occur.
b. Signs/Symptoms. Included are:
(1)
Pain.
(2)
Itching.
(3)
Conductive hearing loss.
(4)
Fullness sensation.
(5)
Foreign object in the ear can be seen.
MD0582
4-17