We only take our hearing for granted until that time when it is stuffed up after a cold or blocked with wax and we are unable to hear from one side. At that time we become acutely aware of how precious our hearing is. Patients are usually quite aware that they have a hearing loss, although it may take them many months to appreciate the problem. If there is any question about one's hearing or unusual sounds in the ear, an ear specialist should be consulted without delay. An examination will be performed and an audiogram by a hearing specialist will usually be recommended. The results of the hearing test will determine if there is a surgically treatable condition or whether the patient will improve with a hearing aid. There is a quick hearing test available within this site to give you an idea of the current state of your hearing.

Surgically treatable conditions involve certain types of deafness in which the middle ear conductive mechanisms (the small bones in the ear) may need to be replaced or corrected or whether there is a hole in the eardrum. A perforation of the thin membrane that separates the inner from outer ear usually presents the patient with sudden pain in the ear or partial hearing loss, bleeding or discharge from ear, ringing or dizziness. Causes of a ruptured eardrum can results from a sharp object being placed into the ear, sudden inward pressure such as a slap or swimming or diving accident, outward pressure or suction, or severe middle ear infection. Risk increases with a recent middle ear infection or head injury. If the eardrum is ruptured and does not become infected, it will repair itself within approximately eight weeks. If an infection takes place, hearing although permanently not affected may result in a perforation which does not heal by itself and for which surgery may be indicated. Diagnosis of the condition is made by examination of the ear. Microsurgery used to repair the perforation is usually extremely effective in restoring the normal eardrum and improving the hearing.