Ear Conditions and Treatments

At Henry Ford Health, you have access to an exceptional level of care for complex ear disorders. Our neurotologists treat all conditions affecting hearing and balance, including the most complex cases.

You have access to advanced treatments, including sophisticated therapies and the latest implantable devices. We offer a level of care that helps more people enjoy an excellent quality of life.

Henry Ford neurotology and otology: Why choose us?

Henry Ford is home to trusted neurotologists and otologists who specialize in ear disorders. We excel in diagnosing and treating conditions that many other ear specialists are not familiar with. And our experience from caring for a high volume of patients gives you the best chances for good results.

Ear disorders we treat

Conditions we treat include:

Hearing loss

We treat common and complex forms of hearing loss, including:

• Conductive, outer or middle ear issues that prevent sound from reaching nerves that help you hear
• Congenital, present at birth
• One-sided, either only on the left or right side
• Profound, only capable of hearing low sounds
• Progressive, which may affect both ears and worsen over time
• Sensorineural hearing loss, abnormal functioning in the hearing nerves or middle ear
• Sudden, rapid loss of hearing that requires prompt medical care
• Mixed hearing loss, a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

Chronic ear disease

Conditions that are long-lasting with symptoms that may come and go, such as:

• Ear pain
• Fluid in the ear
• Ear infections that come back after treatment
• Swimmer’s ear and other conditions that cause chronic swelling
• Tinnitus

Structural ear issues

Abnormalities, some of which are present at birth, can affect structures inside the ear. These include:

• Aural atresia, the ear canal does not form correctly or is missing
• Otosclerosis, abnormal bone growth in the middle ear
• Perforated eardrum, hole in the delicate membrane that separates your outer and middle ear

Dizziness and balance disorders

Dizziness and balance disorders are often due to issues in the inner ear. We diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions. Find out more about balance disorder care and treatment.

Ear tumors and cancer

These abnormal growths affect the ear, nearby skull bones, ear canal or middle ear. Ear tumor conditions include:

• Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas): Slow-growing tumors that start in the protective outer layer of tissue that controls balance and hearing
• Cholesteatomas: Cysts that form in the eardrum that may spread to the middle ear
• Lateral skull base tumors: Abnormal growths that occur inside the skull near the ears
• Meningiomas: Tumors in the membranes surrounding the brain
• Paraganglioma: Noncancerous tumors that form in the head and neck

Ear disorder treatments

At Henry Ford, you have access to the full range of ear disorder treatments, including nonsurgical options, hearing implants and other procedures.

Nonsurgical treatments

We treat many conditions with nonsurgical therapies that include:

• Steroids by mouth or injections inside the ear for certain causes of sudden hearing loss
• Earwax removal to safely clear buildups of hardened wax that may extend deep into the ear canal
• Antibiotics to treat ear infections
• Balance and vestibular rehabilitation, specialized therapy to relieve dizziness and balance issues

Hearing implants and other procedures

Our neurotologists and otologists are trusted surgeons who deliver advanced therapies for ear disorders.

• Hearing implants may be right for you if hearing aids or other assistive devices are not meeting your needs.
• Ear surgery may be necessary to halt ongoing ear disorders or repair structures in your ear.