(oh-toe-TOX-ick) Refers to any chemical or medication (drug) that is potentially harmful to the auditory system—especially to the cochlear and vestibular organs and associated nerves—concerned with hearing and balance. Ototoxic medications may aggravate an existing hearing problem or cause new hearing problems. For a more in-depth understanding of ototoxic drugs, read this article.

(OH-toe-scope) A special combination flashlight/magnifying glass used for examining the ear canal and eardrum.

(OH-toe-sklair-ROW-sis) An inherited dominant genetic condition that causes abnormal spongy bone growth on the tiny bones in the middle ear and in the bone surrounding the oval window. Often this results in the stirrup (stapes) becoming fixed to the oval window of the cochlea, Because the stapes no longer vibrates freely, this causes a progressive conductive hearing loss. If the otosclerosis eventually invades the cochlea (cochlear […]

Bleeding from the ear canal. Ear hemorrhage.

A purulent discharge (puss) draining from the ear canal.

An ears (oto), nose (rhino), laryn (throat) doctor, commonly called an ENT doctor. The same as an Otolaryngologist.