Ear Canal

[237SJ]

Just a curiosity really. I have a stinking cold at the moment and so far it hasn`t affected my ears (I don`t want to tempt fate though) In the past when I have had an ear infection or barotrauma, the ear canal feels wet when I put my finger in it. Why is that? Does the eardrum have some sort of lubricating mechanism to protect itself when it`s under stress? (I`m not talking about ear wax, it`s definitely a wetness)

[Sqad]

Barotrauma affects the middle ear and unless you have a perforation in your eardrum,your ear canal will NOT be wet.

If you ear infection is from a perforated ear drum, then your ear canal may well be wet.
If your ear infection is in the ear canal itself then the ear canal may well be wet.

[237SJ]

I have had otitis media though and the ear canal has been wet. When I have been on an aircraft and my ear isn`t clearing, the eardrum is wet. I`ve never had a perforated eardrum that I know of.

[Sqad]

Right.

[237SJ]

Sorry I didn`t mean the eardrum was wet, I meant the ear canal was! :-}

[237SJ]

Sqad forgive me if I am wrong but is barotrauma not the stress put on an eardrum from a differential pressure. Why would it affect the middle ear? The science behind barotrauma being that the eardrum flexes in or out according to whether the pressure is less or greater either side of the eardrum?

[Sqad]

Barotrauma.......very very simplified.

The function of hearing is best served when the pressure in the middle ear is the same as the pressure in the outer ear...............equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

In barotrauma ( for whatever reason) a state occurs when the pressure in the middle ear becomes negative to the pressure in the outer ear and the ear drum tends to be "sucked in"

Now the outer ear and ear drum is made of strong stuff, being covered by skin and the effect of barotrauma to that part of the ear is "no big deal"

HOWEVER,,,,the lining of the middle ear is of more delicate stuff and is vulnerable to the effects of negative pressure.

SO...the deleterious affects of barotrauma (if any) is entirely focused on the middle ear.

[Sqad]

237SJ I answered your question on "Ear Canal"

[237SJ]

Thank you. I didn`t mean to appear rude by not answering. I think the old eardrums are ok today.

[Sqad]

237SJ ;-)

[murraymints]

Sqad....don't get me started on ear drums !!!lol....

[Sqad]

murray.....right on baby!

[murraymints]

Sqad...groooovy !!!! you one hip dude ?