Structure, functions and diseases of the middle ear. Anatomy of the human middle ear. Human has a middle ear

Hearing is a type of sensitivity that determines the perception of sound vibrations. Its value is invaluable in the mental development of a full-fledged personality. Thanks to hearing, the sound part of the surrounding reality is known, the sounds of nature are known. Without sound, sound speech communication between people, people and animals, between people and nature is impossible, without it musical works could not appear.

Hearing acuity varies from person to person. In some it is low or normal, in others it is high. There are people with absolute pitch. They are able to recognize the pitch of a given tone from memory. Musical ear allows you to accurately determine the intervals between sounds of different heights, recognize melodies. Individuals with an ear for music when performing musical works are distinguished by a sense of rhythm, they are able to accurately repeat a given tone, a musical phrase.

Using hearing, people are able to determine the direction of the sound and from it - its source. This property allows you to navigate in space, on the ground, to distinguish the speaker among several others. Hearing, together with other types of sensitivity (vision), warns of the dangers that arise during work, being outdoors, among nature. In general, hearing, like sight, makes a person's life spiritually rich.

A person perceives sound waves with the help of hearing with a frequency of oscillation from 16 to 20,000 hertz. With age, the perception of high frequencies decreases. Auditory perception is also reduced under the action of sounds of great power, high and especially low frequencies.

One of the parts of the inner ear - the vestibular one - determines the sense of the position of the body in space, maintains the balance of the body, and ensures the upright posture of a person.

How is the human ear

Outer, middle and inner - the main parts of the ear

The human temporal bone is the bone receptacle of the hearing organ. It consists of three main sections: outer, middle and inner. The first two serve to conduct sounds, the third contains the sound-sensitive apparatus and the apparatus of balance.

The structure of the outer ear


The outer ear is represented by the auricle, external auditory canal, tympanic membrane. The auricle captures and directs sound waves into the ear canal, but in humans it has almost lost its main purpose.

The external auditory meatus conducts sounds to the eardrum. In its walls there are sebaceous glands that secrete the so-called earwax. The tympanic membrane is located on the border between the outer and middle ear. This is a round plate with a size of 9 * 11mm. It receives sound vibrations.

The structure of the middle ear


Scheme of the structure of the human middle ear with a description

The middle ear is located between the external auditory meatus and the inner ear. It consists of the tympanic cavity, which is located directly behind the tympanic membrane, into which it communicates with the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube. The tympanic cavity has a volume of about 1 cc.

It contains three auditory ossicles interconnected:

  • Hammer;
  • anvil;
  • stapes.

These ossicles transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window of the inner ear. They reduce the amplitude and increase the power of the sound.

The structure of the inner ear


Diagram of the structure of the human inner ear

The inner ear, or labyrinth, is a system of cavities and channels filled with fluid. The function of hearing here is performed only by the cochlea - a spirally twisted canal (2.5 curls). The remaining parts of the inner ear ensure the balance of the body in space.

Sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane are transmitted through the ossicular system through the foramen ovale to the fluid that fills the inner ear. Vibrating, the liquid irritates the receptors located in the spiral (Corti) organ of the cochlea.

spiral organ is a sound-receiving apparatus located in the cochlea. It consists of a main membrane (lamina) with supporting and receptor cells, as well as an integumentary membrane hanging over them. Receptors (perceiving) cells have an elongated shape. Their one end is fixed on the main membrane, and the opposite one contains 30-120 hairs of different lengths. These hairs are washed by a liquid (endolymph) and come into contact with the integumentary plate hanging over them.

Sound vibrations from the eardrum and auditory ossicles are transmitted to the fluid that fills the cochlear canals. These oscillations cause oscillations of the main membrane along with the hair receptors of the spiral organ.

During oscillation, the hair cells touch the integumentary membrane. As a result of this, a difference in electrical potentials arises in them, leading to the excitation of the auditory nerve fibers, which depart from the receptors. It turns out a kind of microphone effect, in which the mechanical energy of endolymph vibrations is converted into electrical nervous excitation. The nature of the excitations depends on the properties of the sound waves. High tones are captured by a narrow part of the main membrane, at the base of the cochlea. Low tones are recorded by a wide part of the main membrane, at the top of the cochlea.

From the receptors of the organ of Corti, excitation spreads along the fibers of the auditory nerve to the subcortical and cortical (in the temporal lobe) centers of hearing. The whole system, including the sound-conducting parts of the middle and inner ear, receptors, nerve fibers, hearing centers in the brain, constitutes the auditory analyzer.

Vestibular apparatus and orientation in space

As already mentioned, the inner ear performs a dual role: the perception of sounds (the cochlea with the organ of Corti), as well as the regulation of body position in space, balance. The latter function is provided by the vestibular apparatus, which consists of two sacs - round and oval - and three semicircular canals. They are interconnected and filled with liquid. On the inner surface of the sacs and extensions of the semicircular canals are sensitive hair cells. They give off nerve fibers.


Angular accelerations are perceived mainly by receptors located in the semicircular canals. The receptors are excited by the pressure of the fluid channels. Rectilinear accelerations are recorded by the receptors of the sacs of the vestibule, where otolith apparatus. It consists of sensitive hairs of nerve cells immersed in a gelatinous substance. Together they form a membrane. The upper part of the membrane contains inclusions of calcium bicarbonate crystals - otoliths. Under the influence of rectilinear accelerations, these crystals cause the membrane to sag by the force of their gravity. In this case, deformations of the hairs occur and excitation occurs in them, which is transmitted along the corresponding nerve to the central nervous system.

The function of the vestibular apparatus as a whole can be represented as follows. The movement of the fluid contained in the vestibular apparatus, caused by the movement of the body, shaking, rolling, causes irritation of the sensitive hairs of the receptors. Excitations are transmitted along the cranial nerves to the medulla oblongata, the bridge. From here they go to the cerebellum, as well as the spinal cord. This connection with the spinal cord causes reflex (involuntary) movements of the muscles of the neck, torso, limbs, due to which the position of the head, torso is leveled, and a fall is prevented.

With a conscious determination of the position of the head, excitation comes from the medulla oblongata and the bridge through the visual tubercles to the cerebral cortex. It is believed that the cortical centers for controlling balance and body position in space are located in the parietal and temporal lobes of the brain. Thanks to the cortical ends of the analyzer, conscious control of the balance and position of the body is possible, bipedalism is ensured.

Hearing hygiene

  • physical;
  • chemical
  • microorganisms.

Physical hazards

Physical factors should be understood as traumatic effects during bruises, when picking various objects in the external auditory canal, as well as constant noise and especially sound vibrations of ultra-high and especially infra-low frequencies. Injuries are accidents and are not always preventable, but injuries to the eardrum during ear cleaning can be completely avoided.

How to properly clean a person's ears? To remove sulfur, it is enough to wash your ears daily and there will be no need to clean it with rough objects.

A person encounters ultrasounds and infrasounds only in production conditions. To prevent their harmful effects on the hearing organs, safety regulations must be observed.

Harmful effect on the organ of hearing is constant noise in big cities, at enterprises. However, the health service is fighting these phenomena, and engineering and technical thought is aimed at developing production technology with noise reduction.

The situation is worse for lovers of loud playing musical instruments. The effect of headphones on a person's hearing is especially negative when listening to loud music. In such individuals, the level of perception of sounds decreases. There is only one recommendation - to accustom yourself to moderate volume.

Chemical hazards

Diseases of the organ of hearing as a result of the action of chemicals are mainly due to violations of safety regulations in handling them. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the rules for working with chemicals. If you do not know the properties of a substance, then you should not use it.

Microorganisms as a harmful factor

Damage to the organ of hearing by pathogens can be prevented by timely healing of the nasopharynx, from which pathogens enter the middle ear through the Eustachian canal and cause inflammation at first, and with delayed treatment, a decrease and even loss of hearing.

To preserve hearing, general strengthening measures are important: organizing a healthy lifestyle, observing the regime of work and rest, physical training, reasonable hardening.

For people suffering from weakness of the vestibular apparatus, which manifests itself in intolerance to traveling in transport, special training and exercises are desirable. These exercises are aimed at reducing the excitability of the balance apparatus. They are done on rotating chairs, special simulators. The most accessible workout can be done on a swing, gradually increasing its time. In addition, gymnastic exercises are used: rotational movements of the head, body, jumps, somersaults. Of course, the training of the vestibular apparatus is carried out under medical supervision.

All the analyzed analyzers determine the harmonious development of the personality only with close interaction.

Middle ear (aurus media)

the part of the ear between the outer and inner ear that conducts sound.

In some cases, for example, when exposed to chemical or thermal factors, in children, when water enters the external auditory canal and a viral infection, an isolated tympanic membrane () is observed. Acute miringitis is manifested by stabbing or boring pains, a feeling of fullness, noise in the ear. Hearing loss is mild but remains normal. The tympanic membrane is evenly hyperemic, its vessels are injected, the contours of the handle of the malleus are smoothed. Bubbles filled with serous or hemorrhagic (for example, with influenza) fluid can form between the epidermis and the fibrous layer. In a more severe course, the formation of abscesses (abscessing myringitis) is possible, which in some cases are opened into the tympanic cavity. Acute miringitis can take a chronic relapsing course, which is manifested by severe, painful itching, sometimes the presence of scanty discharge, the formation of crusts on the eardrum, as well as granulations with a flat or granular surface. Diagnosis is based on otoscopy. Differential diagnosis is carried out with otitis media that occurs with more severe symptoms. Treatment includes thermal and other physiotherapy procedures, the appointment of analgesics. washed with solutions of antiseptics (furatsilina, rivanol, etc.), blow in boric acid or sulfonamides. Use infusions of an alcohol solution of boric acid or chloramphenicol. Purulent vesicles with abscessed myringitis are opened, with a chronic course they are cleaned of secretions and crusts. Some experts recommend cauterization with a solution of silver nitrate, chromic acid, or trichloroacetic acid. favorable in the absence of complications.

Tumors of the middle ear, both benign and malignant, are extremely rare. Among benign ones, fibroma and angioma are distinguished, incl. glomus tumors of the tympanic cavity, as well as an osteoma localized in the mastoid process. Benign tumors are characterized by slow growth, often recurrent bleeding. Treatment is often surgical. In cases where a radical one cannot be carried out due to the danger of massive bleeding, they resort to radiation therapy, the use of low temperatures, etc.

Among malignant tumors, Cancer is more common, developing, as a rule, against the background of chronic suppurative otitis media. in most cases, it comes from the attic-antral region, it is characterized by rapid infiltrative growth with spread to neighboring areas (parotid gland, lower jaw, inner ear, cranial cavity), early metastasis to regional lymph nodes. Manifested by pain in the ear, headache, fetid purulent-hemorrhagic discharge: characterized by the presence of purulent bleeding growths, early facial nerve. Cases of primary cancer of the auditory tube are described, the first symptoms of which are ear congestion, paresis of the soft palate on the side of the lesion,. The diagnosis is established on the basis of the clinical picture, the results of otoscopy. The most suspicious for malignancy are bleeding growths and lesions of the facial nerve. A timely morphological study allows you to diagnose at an early stage. Combined treatment. The prognosis is serious.

Operations on S. at. perform mainly to eliminate the purulent focus and to improve hearing. The first group of interventions includes anthrotomy used in childhood with anthritis, antromastoidotomy (simple trepanation of the mastoid process) performed with mastoiditis (see Mastoiditis), a radical (general cavity) operation on S. at. and atticoanthrotomy produced with otitis media (see Otitis). To hearing-improving operations include various options for stapedoplasty (see Otosclerosis) and tympanoplasty. The latter include interventions to restore the integrity of the tympanic membrane, as well as the auditory function lost as a result of partial or complete destruction of the auditory ossicles. To replace the destroyed tympanic membrane or to close the existing defect in it, the skin of the external auditory canal, the fascia of the temporal muscle, the vein wall, the periosteum, and rarely a free skin graft are used. To restore a partially destroyed chain of auditory ossicles, the remaining elements, incl. the eardrum is moved in such a way as to restore the continuity of the sound-conducting system, using a wire (made of tantalum or stainless steel), biological glue, etc. In the absence of auditory ossicles, if the base of the stirrup remains mobile, they are used from bone, cartilage, plastic.

During operations, operating microscopes and special ones are used. Operate more often under local anesthesia. skins are produced inside the external auditory canal or behind the ear. In the postoperative period, patients are prescribed bed rest and. Complications include paresis of the facial nerve (see Neuritis), Labyrinthitis.

Bibliography: Multi-volume guide to otorhinolaryngology, ed. A.G. Likhachev, vol. 1, p. 175, Moscow, 1960; Palchun V.T. and Preobrazhensky N.A. Diseases of the ear and nose, M., 1980.

Rice. 4. Schematic representation of the relationship of the right middle ear with the inner ear and adjacent vessels and nerves (outside view): 1 - anterior semicircular canal; 2 - vestibule; 3 - snail; 4 - node of the trigeminal nerve; 5 - auditory tube; 6 - medial plate of the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone; 7 - tympanic cavity; 8 - internal carotid artery; 9 - styloid process; 10 - internal jugular vein; 11 - facial nerve; 12 - mastoid process; 13 - external auditory opening; 14 - lateral semicircular canal; 15 - sigmoid sinus; 16 - mastoid cave; 17 - posterior semicircular canal; 18 - pyramid of the temporal bone.

tubal branch of the tympanic plexus; 12 - internal carotid artery; 13 - carotid-tympanic artery; 14 - semi-canal of the auditory tube; 16 - internal carotid plexus; 17 - lower tympanic artery; 18 - glossopharyngeal nerve (lower node); 19 - ; 20 - jugular wall; 21 - internal jugular vein; 22 - cape; 23 - dimple of the window of the cochlea; 24 - posterior tympanic artery; 25 - drum string; 26 - stirrup nerve; 27 - stirrup muscle; 28 - stirrup; 28 - stirrup; 29 -; 30 - mastoid cave ">

Rice. 3. Vessels and nerves of the inner (labyrinth) wall of the right tympanic cavity (the facial and carotid canals were opened): 1 - spinomastoid artery; 2 and 15 - tympanic nerve; 3 - knee node, 4 - connecting branch of the facial nerve; 5 - large stony nerve; 6 - upper tympanic membrane; 7 - small stony nerve; 8 - semi-channel of the muscle straining the eardrum; 9 - muscle straining the eardrum (cut off); 10 - carotid-tympanic nerve; 11 - tubal branch of the tympanic plexus; 12 - internal carotid artery; 13 - carotid-tympanic artery; 14 - semi-canal of the auditory tube; 16 - internal carotid plexus; 17 - lower tympanic artery; 18 - glossopharyngeal nerve (lower node); 19 - tympanic plexus; 20 - jugular wall; 21 - internal jugular vein; 22 - cape; 23 - dimple of the window of the cochlea; 24 - posterior tympanic artery; 25 - drum string; 26 - stirrup nerve; 27 - stirrup muscle; 28 - stirrup; 28 - stirrup; 29 - protrusion of the lateral semicircular canal; 30 - mastoid cave.

Rice. 2. Internal (labyrinthine) and posterior (mastoid) walls of the right tympanic cavity: 1 - muscle straining the eardrum; 2 - semi-channel of the muscle straining the eardrum (partially opened); 3 - semi-canal of the auditory tube; 4 - cape furrow; 5 - cape; 6 - drum cells; 7 - dimple of the window of the cochlea; 8 - stirrup head; 9 - tendon of the stirrup muscle; 10 - mastoid cells; 11 - tympanic sinus; 12 - pyramidal elevation; 13 - protrusion of the facial channel; 14 - protrusion of the lateral semicircular canal; 15 - mastoid cave; 16 - rear leg of the stirrup; 17 - stirrup membrane; 18 - tendon of the muscle that strains the eardrum (cut off); 19 - epitympanic recess.


1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical Encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First aid. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. Encyclopedic dictionary of medical terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984. Big Medical Encyclopedia

It is located between the outer and inner ear in terrestrial vertebrates and humans. It consists of the tympanic cavity with the auditory ossicles and the auditory (Eustachian) tube. Outside it is limited by the tympanic membrane, from which the auditory ossicles ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

MIDDLE EAR, see EAR... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

- (auris media), department of the auditory system of terrestrial vertebrates. It consists of the tympanic membrane, the tympanic cavity filled with air, the auditory ossicles located in it (hammer, anvil, stirrup in mammals, the column is analogous to the stirrup ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Part of the auditory apparatus of vertebrates, represented by the tympanic cavity and the auditory ossicles located in it (see) and other adnexal parts (see Ear). In S. fish, the ear is represented by the first pair of gill slits or splashes (see ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Located between outside and ext. ear in terrestrial vertebrates and humans. It consists of the tympanic cavity with the auditory ossicles and the auditory (Eustachian) tube. Outside it is limited by the tympanic membrane, from a swarm of auditory ossicles ... ... Natural science. encyclopedic Dictionary

One of the complex organs of the human structure that performs the function of perceiving sounds and interference is the ear. In addition to its sound-conducting purpose, it is responsible for the ability to restrain the stability and location of the body in space.

The ear is located in the temporal region of the head. Outwardly, it looks like an auricle. have serious consequences, and pose a threat to general health.

The structure of the ear has several branches:

  • external;
  • the average;
  • internal.

human ear- an exceptional and intricate organ in design. However, the method of functioning and performance of this body is simple.

ear function is to distinguish and enhance signals, intonations, tones and noise.

There is a whole science devoted to the study of the anatomy of the ear and its many indicators.

It is impossible to visualize the device of the ear as a whole, since the auditory canal is located in the inner part of the head.

For efficient implementation the main function of the human middle ear is the ability to hear - are responsible for the following components:

  1. outer ear. It looks like an auricle and an ear canal. Separated from the middle ear by the tympanic membrane;
  2. The cavity behind the eardrum is called middle ear. It includes the ear cavity, auditory ossicles and the Eustachian tube;
  3. The last of the three types of department - inner ear. It is considered one of the most difficult of the departments of the organ of hearing. Responsible for human balance. Due to the peculiar shape of the structure, it is called " labyrinth».

The anatomy of the ear includes such structural elements, how:

  1. Curl;
  2. Antihelix- a paired organ of the tragus, located on top of the earlobe;
  3. tragus, which is a bulge on the outer ear, is located on the front of the ear;
  4. Antitragus in the image and likeness performs the same functions as the tragus. But first of all, it processes sounds coming from the front;
  5. Earlobe.

Thanks to this structure of the ear, the influence of external circumstances is minimized.

The structure of the middle ear

The middle ear is represented as a tympanic cavity located in the temporal region of the skull.

In the depths of the temporal bone are the following elements of the middle ear:

  1. drum cavity. It is located between the temporal bone and the external auditory meatus and the inner ear. Consists of the small bones listed below.
  2. auditory tube. This organ connects the nose and pharynx with the tympanic region.
  3. Mastoid. This is part of the temporal bone. Located behind the external auditory canal. Connects the scales and the tympanic part of the temporal bone.

IN structure tympanic region of the ear are included:

  • Hammer. It attaches to the eardrum and sends sound waves to the anvil and stirrup.
  • Anvil. Located between the stirrup and malleus. The function of this organ is to represent sounds and vibrations from the malleus to the stirrup.
  • Stapes. The stirrup connects the anvil and the inner ear. Interestingly, this organ is considered the smallest and lightest bone in a person. Her size is 4 mm, and weight - 2.5 mg.

The listed anatomical elements carry the following function auditory ossicles - noise conversion and transmission from the outer canal to the inner ear.

Violation of the work of one of the structures leads to the destruction of the function of the entire organ of hearing.

The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx by Eustachian tube.

Function eustachian tube - regulation of pressure that does not come from the air.

A sharp laying of the ears signals a rapid decrease or increase in air pressure.

A long and painful pain in the temples indicates that the person’s ears are currently actively fighting the infection that has appeared and protecting the brain from impaired performance.

in number interesting facts pressure also includes reflex yawning. This indicates that there has been a change in the surrounding pressure, which causes a person to react in the form of a yawn.

The human middle ear has a mucous membrane.

The structure and function of the ear

It is known that the middle ear contains some of the main components of the ear, the violation of which will lead to hearing loss. Since there are important details in the structure, without which the conduction of sounds is impossible.

auditory ossicles- the hammer, anvil and stirrup ensure the passage of sounds and noises further along the structure of the ear. In their tasks includes:

  • Allow the eardrum to work smoothly;
  • Do not allow sharp and strong sounds to pass into the inner ear;
  • Adapt the hearing aid to different sounds, their strength and pitch.

Based on the above tasks, it becomes clear that without the middle ear, the function of the organ of hearing is unreal.

Remember that sudden and unexpected sounds can provoke reflex muscle contraction and damage the structure and functioning of hearing.

Ear Protection Measures

In order to protect yourself from ear diseases, it is important to monitor your well-being and listen to the symptoms of the body. Timely notice infectious diseases, such as others.

The main source of all diseases in the ear and other human organs is a weakened immune system. In order to reduce the possibility of illness, take vitamins.

In addition, you should isolate yourself from drafts and hypothermia. Wear a hat in the cold seasons, and don't forget to wear a baby cap regardless of the temperature outside.

Do not forget to undergo an annual examination of all organs, including an ENT specialist. Regular visits to the doctor will help to avoid inflammation and infectious diseases.

The human hearing aid is a complex system that has three main elements: external, middle and internal. It is the middle ear that plays the main function and thanks to it a person can hear sounds. All diseases that occur in it pose a direct threat to human life and health.

The middle ear is located deep in the temporal bone. It consists of several organs, each of which is presented as a system:

  • drum cavity. It contains, thanks to which a person can hear music, voices and other sounds.
  • auditory tube. A stream of air passes through it, which causes the eardrums to vibrate.
  • Mastoid. Separates the posterior cranial fossa and antrum.

The middle ear consists of several cavities, in the center of which is the tympanic. In appearance it resembles a tambourine or a prism. It is separated from the skull by a wall.The cavity contains auditory ossicles, which perform the function of transmitting sound vibrations. Allocate stirrup, anvil and hammer. The mechanism of their interaction resembles a system of levers.

One of the important elements of the middle ear is also the auditory tube, which connects the tympanic cavity with the external environment.

In newborns, it is much shorter and wider, which is a great danger. Against the background of this feature, infants are most susceptible to the development of diseases of the middle ear.

The mastoid process is located behind the temporal bone. Inside it are cavities that are interconnected by narrow slits. This increases the acoustic properties several times.

Muscles are also located in the middle ear. Their main task is to tension the eardrum and stirrup. They also help keep the bones in weight and regulate them. Thanks to them, a person can hear loud and soft sounds.The middle ear plays a big role not only in transmission, but also in signal amplification. Without it, man would not have the ability to hear.

Classification of diseases

There are many different diseases that affect the middle ear. In medicine, it is customary to divide them into three broad categories:

  1. Congenital. They are associated with the physiological and anatomical structure. Often they are hereditary in nature, but may be the result of a violation of the development of the fetus. This type includes hearing loss, microtia.
  2. Traumatic. The cause of development is injury as a result of an accident, traffic accident, blows to the temple area, industrial injury. A rupture of the eardrum can be observed after the strongest sharp noise, when the muscles did not have time to react correctly. Injuries are often the cause of improper cleaning of the ears.
  3. Infectious. accompanied by an inflammatory process. The cause of its development are viruses, bacteria, fungi. It penetrates from the side of the external auditory canal, as well as along with the blood.

Each disease is dangerous for the life and health of the patient. This is due to the fact that the middle ear is located in close proximity to the brain. This can cause inflammation of the membranes and cause the development of serious violations of its work.

Depending on the nature of the course of the disease, there are:

  • Acute. Symptoms are growing rapidly, always pronounced. The lack of therapy at this stage leads to the transformation of the disease into a chronic form, which is difficult to treat.
  • Chronic. They are characterized by the presence of alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. They have the ability to proceed for a long time without symptoms.

Only the attending physician can correctly diagnose the type and nature of the course of the disease of the middle ear based on the results of the diagnosis.

Major diseases and their symptoms

Ear diseases are one of the most unpleasant pathologies, regardless of the reasons for which they arose. They pose a threat to the health of the patient and, if not treated in time, cause not only hearing loss.

Inflammatory diseases are often diagnosed, the causes of which are bacteria, infections:

  • . Symptoms are always pronounced. Patients complain of painful sensations of a shooting nature, a decrease in the quality of hearing, and the presence of purulent discharge from the ear canal. In the absence of therapy, the disease passes into a chronic stage, which is difficult to cure.
  • Mesotympanitis. The cause is inflammation of the lining of the eardrum. The main symptoms are hearing loss and purulent discharge. Often confused with purulent otitis media.
  • Epitympanitis. It is characterized by the ingrowth of the tissues of the external auditory canal into the cavity of the tympanic membrane. The danger of pathology is that there is a risk of violation of the bone structure. The main symptom is a decrease in the quality of hearing.
  • Cicatricial otitis. Occurs against the background of limited mobility of the auditory ossicles. As a result, dense connective tissue begins to form. Patients complain of hearing loss.

Diseases of the middle ear, regardless of the cause of their occurrence, have one distinguishing feature. It is quite difficult to get to the focus of infection or the inflammatory process, since it is located deep. The environmental conditions in the ear are favorable for bacteria to multiply, and they quickly infect healthy areas. Therefore, when the first symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor. The use of traditional methods of treatment is strictly prohibited.

Treatment Methods

In the case when the cause of pain and other unpleasant symptoms is an infection, therapy is required to destroy the pathogenic flora.

For this, antibiotics are prescribed in the form of tablets or ointments. Symptomatic therapy consists in the appointment of:

  1. Painkillers. NSAIDs are used. They not only relieve pain, but also eliminate inflammation. The most effective is "".
  2. Antiviral. Help to reduce the activity of the virus. "Arbidol", "Kagocel", "" are appointed.
  3. Anti-inflammatory. Contribute to the relief of the inflammatory process. The use of "Diclofenac" or "Ketoprofen" is shown.
  4. Antihistamines. Necessary for the removal of intoxication, which develops against the background of the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms. Remove nausea. Eliminate weakness, apathy and headache will help "Suprastin", "Erius".

If there is an accumulation of purulent masses in the cavity of the middle ear, a procedure is prescribed for its forced removal. It is called paracentesis and is performed by making an incision in the eardrum. The patient's condition improves significantly after the purulent masses come out. After the procedure, the ear cavity is treated with an antiseptic solution.

You can learn more about the structure and function of the ear from the video:

Ear fungus in humans: the main symptoms and effective treatments for otomycosis

In severe cases, surgery is required. The operation is performed in the presence of neoplasms, necrosis or carious processes affecting the bone tissue.

Regardless of the type of pathology, vitamin complexes are prescribed to maintain immunity. Physiotherapy is also helpful. They help speed up the healing process and avoid complications.

Why are diseases of the middle ear dangerous?

The middle ear is located in close proximity to the brain. The inflammatory process that develops in the cavities can also spread to the meninges.

The consequences of untimely treatment or its absence are:

  • Sepsis.
  • Inflammation of the facial nerve.
  • Rupture of the tympanic membrane.
  • Complete or partial hearing loss.

Against the background of inflammation of the brain, there may be a decrease in the quality of vision, mental activity and the ability to perceive information in various volumes.

The middle ear is a complex mechanism consisting of many elements. EIts function is to convert air currents into sound. It is thanks to him that a person is able to hear sharp, strong, quiet, deaf and sonorous sounds. A slight disturbance in the operation of the mechanism affects the quality of hearing. It may be completely or partially lost. In certain cases, it cannot be restored.

There are a large number of diseases that affect the ear. The cause is infection, viruses. Pain can also occur as a result of an injury. When symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a specialist to determine the exact cause of the unpleasant symptoms. Self-medication and lack of therapy in this case can lead to sad consequences.

The middle ear is part of the human auditory system. It is a small space between two other parts of the organ: the external auditory meatus and the labyrinth (inner ear).

The middle ear contains:

  • tympanic cavity;
  • auditory (Eustachian) tube;
  • a cave surrounded by mastoid cells.

Consider the structure of the middle ear in more detail. Each cavity is filled with air. The tympanic cavity of the middle ear is shaped like a tambourine standing on edge and strongly inclined towards the external auditory meatus. It is small in volume - only about 1 cm³.

The middle ear contains three auditory ossicles: the malleus, anvil, and stirrup. They got their name from their appearance. The auditory ossicles are located directly behind the eardrum. They are connected by a pair of real joints of limited mobility. They are also reinforced by a number of separate ligaments, therefore they are a more or less mobile chain.

However, in the direction from the malleus to the stirrup, the mobility of the auditory ossicles gradually decreases. Thus, the spiral organ of the inner ear is protected from concussions and the negative effects of loud sounds.

Between the tympanic cavity and the nasopharynx is the Eustachian tube, through which the pressure in the middle ear equalizes. If it does not correspond to the atmospheric, the ears "lay" and the person reflexively begins to yawn.

Middle ear functions

G
The main function of the middle ear is sound conduction. Wave-like vibrations in the air create sound waves that vibrate the eardrum and auditory ossicles. These vibrations, slightly modified, are transmitted to the inner ear.

The structure of the middle ear allows it to perform the following functions:

  • maintaining the tympanic membrane and the ossicular chain in good shape;
  • adaptation of the acoustic apparatus to sounds of different strength and height;
  • protection from harsh sounds.

When the pressure in the middle ear increases, the amplitude of the oscillations of the auditory ossicles decreases.

As a result, the sensitivity of the acoustic apparatus decreases. About 10 ms after the appearance of a sound of more than 40 dB, two muscles begin to contract reflexively. One of them, attached to the handle of the malleus, increases the tension of the eardrum and reduces the amplitude of its oscillations. The other limits the vibrations of the stirrup. Due to this, the human auditory system adapts to intense sounds that can harm the body.

However, the protective function does not work when there are unexpected sounds. For example, a sudden explosion can damage the acoustic apparatus, since the reflex contraction of the muscles in the middle ear is delayed.

Diseases of the middle ear

Middle ear diseases include a number of pathological conditions. All of them are called otitis media. The disease is equally common among both adults and children.

Often, otitis media leads to hearing loss, which reduces social activity and professional suitability. Advanced cases threaten intracranial complications and even death. That is why it is so important to diagnose the disease in time and start treatment.

Otitis is divided into acute and chronic. Moreover, the acute form easily becomes chronic. Serous and purulent otitis media are also distinguished.

These diseases are rarely primary and almost always develop with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. With a cold, bacteria and viruses enter the nasopharynx into the auditory tube, and then into the middle ear.

Thus, provoking factors are diseases that make it difficult to ventilate the nose:

  • adenoids;
  • nasal polyps;
  • abnormal structure of the nasal septum;
  • hypertrophy of nasal conchas;
  • sinusitis.

The prevalence of inflammation and the possibility of complete recovery after the disease depend on the stage of damage to the auditory tube, the virulence of viruses and bacteria, and the resistance of the patient's body.

Symptoms of otitis media

Symptoms of otitis media include the following:

  • pain in the ear and adjacent tissues.
  • headache, in rare cases - vomiting;
  • hearing loss;
  • feverish conditions;
  • noise in ears;
  • sensation of a foreign body in the ear cavity.

When the first symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor, since untimely or incorrect treatment is fraught with complications.

For a patient with acute otitis media, the doctor, first of all, will prescribe bed rest. Of the medicines, antibiotics, sulfonamides, vasoconstrictor nasal drops, compresses and ear warmers are prescribed. The pain is well relieved by ear drops.

The inflamed human ear must be protected from drafts. It is useful to warm it up with blue light or a solar lamp. Procedures can be carried out at home, but only as an addition to medical prescriptions. In the case of otitis media, self-medication is strictly contraindicated. With inflammation complicated by the formation of pus, the infection often penetrates into the cranial cavity. In this case, the risk of developing meningitis, abscesses of the temporal lobe of the brain and cerebellum, sinus thrombosis and even sepsis (blood poisoning) increases.

With advanced disease, the doctor will have to make an incision in the eardrum in order to provoke the outflow of pus. If the periosseous tissue is damaged, only an operation can save a person's hearing.

Diagnosis and treatment

Only a qualified otolaryngologist can make an accurate diagnosis of otitis media. First, the doctor examines the patient's ear with an otoscope. Very often, the signs of the disease are not clear or are only partially present, so additional time is required to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, examination of the ear cavity can be difficult due to the accumulation of earwax. To continue the diagnostics, it must be deleted.

A comprehensive examination consists of determining the following features:

  • is there inflammation in the tympanic cavity;
  • are there any complications (pus, hearing loss, thinning of the eardrums);
  • what bacteria or virus are pathogens, their resistance to antibiotics;
  • What is the stage of the disease and is there a need for drug therapy.

In the treatment of otitis media, the patient is usually at home, round-the-clock medical supervision is not required. Hospitalization is carried out only if there is a suspicion of severe purulent complications, such as meningitis.

Drug therapy consists of antibiotics, antipyretics, painkillers (individually or all in combination). Improving the patient's well-being, as a rule, occurs within 1 - 2 days. Otherwise, you need to urgently appear for examination by a doctor.

Prevention of otitis media

Prevention of otitis media consists of careful personal hygiene, timely treatment of diseases of the nose, pharynx, and the fight against chronic infections.

For the health of the middle ear, it is necessary to treat inflammation of the outer ear in time. If a person comes into contact with chemicals at work, personal protective equipment must be used.

Annual medical examinations are required to rule out acoustic trauma. If pathologies are detected, doctors advise changing jobs. Ear plugs, swabs, helmets and other protective equipment must be used in production. The room must be soundproofed.

The structure of the tympanic cavity suggests its sensitivity to changes in atmospheric pressure, there is a risk of barotrauma. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions when skydiving, flying in an airplane, diving to a depth. In case of injury, you should not wash your ear yourself, since there is a high risk of infection of the tympanic cavity.

Prevention of vibration injuries of the ear cavity are vibration isolation, vibration absorption and vibration damping.

If there are any symptoms indicating a pathology of the auditory analyzer, you should immediately contact a specialist. It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. It is important to realize that damage to the middle ear often ends in deafness.