Ear disorders and hearing problems can directly affect daily communication, work performance, sleep quality, and social life. Because many conditions develop gradually, they may be noticed late. Symptoms such as a sensation of fullness, tinnitus (ringing), humming, dizziness, ear discharge, or reduced hearing may arise from a wide spectrum of causes—from simple external ear canal blockage (earwax/cerumen impaction) to middle-ear infection, inner-ear related hearing loss, or balance disorders.
On this page, you will find a concise overview of common ear conditions and hearing problems, warning signs that warrant medical assessment, the tests used during evaluation, and general treatment approaches.
The ear is anatomically divided into three parts, each of which can contribute to hearing and balance problems:
Hearing loss is generally classified into three groups according to the underlying mechanism:
The most critical step for appropriate management is to determine the type and cause of hearing loss through clinical examination and targeted tests.
An ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) assessment can be helpful if you have one or more of the following:
Seek urgent medical evaluation if you experience:
1) Cerumen (earwax) impaction and external ear canal conditions
In some individuals, earwax may accumulate and cause blockage and hearing reduction. A foreign body in the ear canal or external otitis (ear canal inflammation) may lead to similar symptoms.
2) Middle ear infection and middle-ear effusion (fluid)
Particularly in children, this may be associated with adenoid enlargement, frequent upper respiratory infections, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Reduced hearing, fullness, and recurrent ear pain may occur.
3) Eardrum (tympanic membrane) problems
Perforation, retraction, or chronic middle-ear disease may lead to discharge and hearing loss.
4) Sensorineural hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss, noise exposure, certain viral illnesses, and inner-ear involvement may contribute. Difficulty understanding speech—especially in crowded environments—is often prominent.
5) Tinnitus
Tinnitus is not a disease by itself; it is a symptom that may reflect different underlying conditions. It can accompany hearing loss, stress, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, or other ear disorders.
6) Dizziness and balance disorders
Vertigo may originate from the inner-ear balance system, but it can also result from other causes. Accurate diagnosis requires a careful assessment of symptom characteristics and associated findings.
In patients with ear and hearing complaints, the diagnosis is established through physical examination and targeted tests. Depending on the clinical findings, the following assessments may be used:
The goal is to identify the source of symptoms accurately and develop an individualized management plan.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, age, type of hearing loss, and symptom duration. Common approaches include:
Medical note: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace a clinical examination. Definitive diagnosis and treatment planning require an in-person evaluation and, when needed, testing.
Hearing is a critical foundation for speech-language development and academic performance. Early assessment is recommended if:
Early diagnosis can reduce avoidable delays and long-term impact. For recurrent ear infections and pediatric hearing concerns, you may also review our Pediatric ENT page.
Is ear blockage always caused by earwax?
No. While earwax is a common cause, middle-ear fluid, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and eardrum or middle-ear disease can also produce a sensation of blockage or fullness.
Can hearing loss improve?
It depends on the type and cause. Some conductive losses improve with appropriate treatment, while certain sensorineural losses may benefit from supportive strategies such as hearing aids.
Is tinnitus dangerous?
Most tinnitus is not due to a serious condition; however, assessment is important if tinnitus is accompanied by hearing loss, ear fullness, vertigo, or sudden onset.
What should I do if I have sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss requires urgent evaluation. Prompt ENT examination and a hearing test are recommended.
At what age can my child have a hearing test?
Hearing can be assessed from the newborn period using age-appropriate methods (e.g., OAE/ABR). Behavioral audiometry becomes feasible as children grow.
If you have ear pain, discharge, blockage, reduced hearing, tinnitus, or dizziness, a detailed ENT examination and appropriate hearing tests can be planned based on your symptoms.
In our clinic located in Istanbul (Kadıköy – Bağdat Avenue), we aim to establish a diagnosis and follow-up plan tailored to your complaint.
For appointments: https://timurbatmaz.com.tr/iletisim
