ear tag A rudimentary tag of ear tissue, often containing a core of cartilage, usually located just in front of the ear (auricle). This minor anomaly is common and harmless. However, the presence of two or more minor anomalies such as this one in a child increases the probability that the child has a major…
ear infection, external Infection of the skin covering the outer ear canal that leads in to the ear drum, usually due to bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas. External ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure. When water pools in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy…
ear infection Infection of the ear by bacteria or viruses. Ear infections are the most frequent diagnosis in sick children. Ear infections occur less commonly in adults. Almost every child has one or more bouts of middle ear infection (otitis media) before age 6. The Eustachian tube is shorter in children than in adults, allowing…
ear ringing See tinnitus.
ear puncture Puncture of the eardrum. Ear puncture may be due to an accident, as when something is stuck into the ear, or due to fluid pressure in the middle ear. The eardrum is occasionally punctured intentially via surgery. A tiny incision (myringotomy) is made in the eardrum to allow fluid trapped behind the eardrum,…
ear pit A tiny pit in front of the ear, also called a preauricular pit. This minor anomaly is of no consequence in and of itself. It is more common in blacks than in whites, and in females than males. It can recur in families. However, the presence of two or more minor anomalies such…
ear piercing The practice of using a needle or needle gun to make holes through the ear lobe or other parts of the ear so that jewelry can be worn. Ear piercing can result in inflammation and/or infection. Infected ear piercings should be washed and then treated with antibiotic cream. Further treatment involves either allowing…
ear, swimmer’s See ear infection, external.
ear, slanted A minor anomaly in which the ear is slanted more than usual—more than 15 degrees from the perpendicular. The presence of two or more minor anomalies such as this one in a child increases the probability that the child has a major malformation. Slanted ears are a common sign of fetal alcohol spectrum…
ear, outer The part of the ear that is visible along the side of the head. The outer ear consists of the pinna, or auricle (the visible projecting portion of the ear), the external acoustic meatus (the outside opening to the ear canal), and the external ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. The outer…
ear, middle A part of the ear that consists of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and, beyond it, a cavity (tympanum). This cavity is connected to the pharynx (nasopharynx) via a canal known as the Eustachian tube. The middle ear cavity also contains a chain of three little bones, the ossicles (the malleus, incus, and stapes),…
ear, malrotated See ear, slanted.