Ear Conditions in Marina Del Rey & Los Angeles, CA

Our ear, nose and throat specialists can diagnose and treat all conditions related to the ear and eustachian tubes such as ear pressure abnormalities, ear congestion, ear infections, tympanic membrane perforation and surfer’s ear.

Ear Pressure Abnormalities

Most of the time, the pressure in your ear equalizes naturally, but if the eustachian tube (the passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and throat) is blocked or doesn’t work correctly, you may have muffled hearing or clicking in your ears. This can be caused by allergies, a cold or sinus infection and the patient can suffer dizziness and problems with balance. Our doctors provide expert diagnosis and treatment.

A child holding her ear because of an ear infection

Ear Congestion

Ear congestion often accompanies problems with sinuses, allergies and drainage. The feeling of ear congestion can be irritating, cause difficulty in equalizing the pressure in your ears, and make it difficult to keep your balance. Ear congestion is frequently associated with nasal congestion. It is conceivable, however, to have congestion in the ears but not the nose.

It's helpful to know a little about ear anatomy to understand why patients occasionally have congestion in their ears but not in their nose. The Eustachian tube is a tiny canal that runs between the nose and the middle ear. This canal aids in the regulation of middle ear pressure. If the Eustachian tube becomes blocked or congested, it may stop working properly, resulting in ear congestion.

What symptoms might you see if you have ear congestion? Pressure, stuffiness, and fullness in the afflicted ear are common complaints among patients. Ear pain and difficulty hearing could be signs of a problem in the middle ear or ear canal. The ear, nose and throat specialists at Del Rey MD can accurately diagnose ear congestion and recommend effective treatment.

Ear Infections

When the fluid in the middle ear can’t drain naturally to the back of your throat, it can become infected by bacteria or a virus. The trapped fluid in the middle ear is why most ear infections happen there. Children are more susceptible to ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter and less effective at draining.

Tympanic Membrane Perforations

Tympanic Membrane perforation or a perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum. A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge. The causes of perforated eardrum are usually trauma or infection. Eardrum perforations may heal on their own or may require outpatient surgery. It is imperative to be evaluated by a specialist because treatment depends on each unique case and the severity of the perforation.

Surfer’s Ear

A close-up profile shot of a woman holding her ear because of an ear condition

Surfer’s ear is an ear canal condition that can significantly affect normal hearing. Surfer’s ear is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind. Cooling of the ear canal stimulates bone growth that narrows the canal and blocks the eardrum. This narrowing traps water and earwax in the canal, often resulting in painful ear infections and hearing loss. It is called Surfer’s Ear because surfers often confront cold water for much longer periods of time than most swimmers.

Typically when the hearing is significantly decreased, surgery is recommended to remove the bone that has built up. Dr. Sigari of Del Rey MD achieves this surgery all through the ear canal which replaces the traditional incision behind the ear, hence the term incision-less surfer’s ear surgery. The advantages for the patient are less exposure to noise during surgery that can damage hearing, more rapid healing and a faster return to water sports. This is an important aspect for patients who suffer from surfer’s ear, as they often lead active lives and fast recovery is paramount.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

A passageway called the eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and throat and equalizes the pressure in your ear. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked and doesn’t work correctly, you may have muffled hearing or hear clicking in your ears. Also, if fluid in the middle ear can’t drain naturally to the back of your throat, it can become infected. If you suffer any condition in which you feel uncomfortable pressure in your ears or pain, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. These conditions can worsen quickly, so it’s best to be seen right away.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between an Ear Infection and Ear Congestion?

Ear infections and ear congestion are distinct conditions. However, they can sometimes occur simultaneously.

An ear infection is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. It involves inflammation and infection of the middle ear. It generally presents with pain, fever, and sometimes fluid drainage.

In contrast, ear congestion involves a feeling of fullness or pressure. This is often related to colds, allergies, or sinus infections and is due to fluid buildup or blockage in the Eustachian tube. 

Both ear conditions can temporarily impair hearing. The underlying causes and treatments differ, though. Infections usually need antibiotics or antiviral medications. Meanwhile, congestion often resolves with decongestants or antihistamines.

Can Allergies Cause Ear Pain?

Yes, allergies can cause ear pain. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the Eustachian tubes. This can result in a feeling of fullness, pressure, and pain. 

Additionally, sinus congestion caused by allergies can contribute to ear discomfort. Managing allergy symptoms through medications and avoiding allergens can help relieve ear pain.

How Does High Altitude Affect Ear Pressure?

High altitude affects ear pressure due to changes in atmospheric pressure.

As altitude increases, the external air pressure decreases. This causes an imbalance between the air pressure in the middle ear and the external environment. The imbalance can lead to a sensation of fullness, discomfort, or even pain.

Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can equalize the pressure by opening the Eustachian tubes. These actions allow air to flow into or out of the middle ear. Using decongestants before flying or ascending to high altitudes can also prevent discomfort.

What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection in Adults Versus Children?

Signs of an ear infection often vary between adults and children. In adults, common symptoms include:

  • Ear pain
  • Hearing loss
  • A feeling of fullness in the ear
  • Fluid drainage
  • Fever (in some cases)

In children, symptoms can include:

  • Ear pain (often indicated by tugging at the ear)
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Fluid drainage
  • Trouble hearing

Children may also exhibit signs like loss of appetite, crying more than usual, and balance problems.

What Treatments Exist for Chronic Ear Infections?

Chronic ear infections need a comprehensive approach. Options may include:

  • Antibiotics: Prolonged or repeated courses of antibiotics can combat persistent infections.
  • Ear Tubes: Insertion of tympanostomy tubes can ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, patients may require surgical procedures like adenoidectomy or mastoidectomy.
  • Management of Underlying Conditions: Addressing allergies or sinusitis can reduce infection frequency.

Why Choose Del Rey MD?

The Del Rey MD team is led by Dr. Farhad Sigari, who is board-certified in otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology. With extensive expertise in ear, nose, and throat disorders, Dr. Sigari and his staff of skilled physician assistants and nurse practitioners provide comprehensive and personalized care for patients of all ages.

With practices in Marina Del Rey, Bakersfield, and Long Beach, CA, Del Rey MD offers accessible and top-tier medical services across several locations. The dedicated team is committed to delivering patient-centered care. They use the latest medical advancements to diagnose and treat various ear conditions.

We understand how frustrating certain ear conditions can be to deal with. Whether you’re concerned about some ear pressure abnormalities that you’ve been experiencing lately or your avid beach-going has caused you to develop a bothersome case of Surfer’s Ear, even the smallest ear conditions can throw our bodies and minds off balance. As you’ve read above, in some cases, these conditions can be more than just tedious—they can be outright painful and can even lead to permanent damage and a higher susceptibility to future ear infections. As such, any ear condition that is causing you trouble should be approached quickly and effectively.

So, if you need a team of highly-experienced and immensely skilled ear, nose, and throat specialists to offer you the relief you need from your unique ear condition, look no further than Del Rey MD. Our team is staffed with some of the best doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in the industry, and they are at the ready to help you live a life free of any ear worries, both current and future.

With convenient locations in Marina Del Rey/Los Angeles (310-773-5986), Long Beach (562-291-3272), and Bakersfield, CA (661-695-8627), a Del Rey doctor is just a call away if you have any further questions. You can also schedule your initial appointment right now via our convenient online form.

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