Previously, Professor Dato’ Dr Balwant Singh Gendeh touched on otitis externa, or inflammation of the outer ear. This month, he will take us on a closer look into another type of ear inflammation that commonly affects children—inflammation of the middle ear, or otitis media.
SOUND & INFLAMMATION
When we mention ‘middle ear’, we refer to the central cavity of the ear which spans from behind eardrum all the way to the oval window, the name given to a membrane-covered opening that leads into the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the nasal cavity via a narrow and tortuous tube known as Eustachian tube.
OUR VERY OWN SOUND SYSTEM T
he middle ear is an essential component of our auditory system. Prof Dr Balwant points out that there are three small bones in here, called the ossicles (see Figure A).
When we hear a sound, this sound is transferred through vibrations or waves in air molecules into our ear canal to reach the eardrum. The sound wave causes our eardrums to vibrate.
The vibration passes through the ossicles to the inner ear. The fluids in the inner ear will then convert the vibration into nerve signals and send these signals to our brain. Our brain will then interpret the sound and let us know just what we are hearing.
This entire process takes place in as little time as 0.05 seconds in a healthy person—which is about 10 times faster than the typical blink of an eye!
WHEN OTITIS MEDIA OCCURS
Inflammation is not necessarily a bad thing. It is the result of our body’s immune system mobilizing to protect us from infections. It is considered negative only in certain autoimmune diseases, when the immune system mistakes normal, healthy cells for the enemy and attacks these cells; fortunately, this doesn’t happen in otitis media.
Prof Dr Balwant explains that otitis media can be divided into two types: otitis media and otitis media with effusion. Each type can be acute (sudden or abrupt) or chronic (long-term).
Acute otitis media.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
The Fertility Revolution
A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.
6 Skin Myths Debunked
A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.
Battling Two Cancers
Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.
