| ear mange | Disease resulting from heavy infestation with the mite Otodectes cynotis in the ears of dogs, cats, foxes, and other carnivores and manifested by head shaking, continual ear scratching, and ear droop; observed in severe cases are torticollis, circling, epileptoid fits with purulent inflammation and discharge of the external ear, and possible perforation of the tympanic membrane. See: otoacariasis. Synonym: ear mange. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| ear neoplasms | Neoplasms of the internal, external, or middle ear. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear-piercer | <zoology> The earwig. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ear pit | Tiny pit in front of the ear: preauricular pit. A minor anomaly of no great consequence in itself. More common in blacks than whites and in females than males. Can recur in families. The presence of 2 or more minor anomalies in a child increases the probability that the child has a major malformation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear protective devices | Personal devices for protection of the ears from loud or high intensity noise, water, or cold. These include earmuffs and earplugs. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear puncture | Puncture of the ear drum may be due to an accident for example when something is stuck into the ear. Or it may be due to fluid pressure in the middle ear. Today the ear drum is occasionally punctured on purpose with surgery. A surgically placed tiny incision (a myringotomy) is made in the eardrum. Any fluid, usually thickened secretions, is removed and an ear tube may be inserted. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear ringing | Together with other abnormal ear noises, ear ringing is medically called tinnitis. Tinnitus can arise in any of the four sections of the ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear, and the brain. If tinnitus persists and its cause is unknown, a hearing test (audiogram)should be done. Measures can be taken to lessen the intensity oftinnitus. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear-shell | <zoology> A flattened marine univalve shell of the genus Haliotis. Synonym: sea-ear. See Abalone. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ear, slanted | An ear that is slanted more than usual. Technically, an ear is slanted when the angle of the slope of the auricle is more than 15 degrees from the perpendicular. Also called a malrotated ear Considered a minor anomaly. The presence of 2 or more minor anomalies in a child increases the probability that the child has a major malformation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear tag | Common minor anomaly, a rudimentary tag of ear tissue, often containing a core cartilage, usually located just in front of the ear (auricle). Therefore also called preauricular tag. The presence of 2 or more minor anomalies in a child increases the probability that the child has a major malformation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear tubes | Formally known as tympanostomy tubes, ear tubes are small plastic tubes inserted into the eardrum (the tympanum) to keep the middle ear aerated for a prolonged period of time. To put the tubes in place, a myringotomy (a surgically placed tiny incision in the eardrum) is done. Any fluid, usually thickened secretions, will be removed. The ear tubes usually remain in place for 6 months to several years. Water should not be allowed to enter the ear canal while the tubes are in place. Eventually, they will move out of the eardrum (extrude) and fall into the ear canal. The doctor may remove the tube during a routine future office visit or it may simply fall out of the ear without the child realizing it. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ear tube surgery | The removal of fluid (often infected) from the middle ear space by creating a incision in the eardrum. Ear tubes may be placed to maintain chronic drainage for several months. Indicated in cases of chronic or recurrent otitis media. (27 Sep 1997) |
| ear tumour | A disorder where there are noncancerous lumps or growths within the ear canal or on the pinna of the ear (external ear). most lumps are sebaceous cysts but some are bony overgrowths known as exostoses (or osteomas). If large enough they may interfere with hearing. In this case surgical removal may be required. (27 Sep 1997) |
| ear wax | The ear canal is shaped somewhat like an hourglass. The skin on the outer part of the canal has special glands that produce earwax. The purpose of this natural wax is to repel water and to trap dust and sand particles. Usually a small amount of wax accumulates, and then dries up and falls out of the ear canal caring with it unwanted particles. Ear wax is helpful in normal amounts and serves to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water repellent. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. See: cerumen. (12 Dec 1998) |
| jew's-ear | <botany> A species of fungus (Hirneola Auricula-Judae, or Auricula), bearing some resemblance to the human ear. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |