Symptoms and treatment of neuralgia of the ear node. Acoustic neuritis, its symptoms and treatment

The ear ganglion is relatively rarely the cause of neuralgic pain, but, nevertheless, you need to be aware of such a source of pain associated with the cranial nerves, especially since this type of neuralgia can simulate seizures, forcing the patient to go to the doctor in vain - otolaryngologist.

A bit of anatomy

The ear ganglion is a very compact but complex "communication node". It includes vegetative and sensitive fibers. We list its functions, from this it will be clear what features will be when it is defeated:

sensitive innervation of the temporomandibular joint. All sensations, including the pain that occurs when chewing, pass through this "relay";
the ganglion provides sensitivity to the skin of the external auditory canal and the temporal region;
its branches innervate the eardrum;
it gives innervation to the parotid salivary gland.

Pictured is the ear

So, neuralgia of the ear ganglion (ganglion oticum) is a disease that occurs with bouts of acute, shooting pain in the ear and parotid area. Reflection of pain (irradiation) can pass into the arm, chest, but more often irradiation occurs in the neck, nape and lower jaw.

Nerves of the cranium

A characteristic manifestation will be the appearance of hypersalivation during an attack of pain. Hypersalivation is in this case an increased secretion of saliva. Additionally, there may be a feeling of congestion in the ear, and the appearance of shooting pains. Hearing does not suffer (unlike neuritis of the facial nerve, when hyperacusis develops in most cases).

It is from the fact that many nerve fibers are involved in the anatomy of the ear node that the joint work of a neurologist, dentist and otorhinolaryngologist is required to make a correct diagnosis. This disease belongs to the group of vegetative ganglionitis, and is adjacent to the ciliary node, submandibular and sublingual nodes. Autonomic disorders also cause cervical truncitis and ganglionitis of the upper cervical sympathetic ganglion.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Like other neuralgia of the cranial nerves, neuralgia of the ear ganglion occurs due to the occurrence of foci of pain impulses that form spontaneously as a result of the development of infection. Most often, the following diseases and processes lead to the development of pain attacks:

acute and chronic parotitis - inflammation of the salivary parotid glands;
sialadenitis, the formation of stones in the salivary glands with blockage of the ducts and the development of secondary inflammation;
chronic otitis, including purulent;
chronic tonsillitis (tonsillitis);
inflammation of the sinuses - frontal sinusitis, sinusitis, ethmoiditis and other sinusitis;
odontogenic diseases of the dentition and oral cavity - gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis.

As you can see, all these diseases are inflammatory. A secondary lesion of the ear ganglion is also possible, if the focus of inflammation or purulent infection is distant from the skull. These can be diseases such as kidney and urinary tract lesions (pyelonephritis), septic lesions, pneumonia, including chronic, tuberculosis processes. Also, the impetus for the development of many, including the ear ganglion, are metabolic diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, chronic alcoholism, sugar, chronic gastritis, chronic renal failure, in cases where it develops.

Signs of damage to the ear ganglion

The most important and constant symptom is severe pain in the external auditory meatus, somewhat anteriorly, as well as in the temple and around the ear. Like all other neuralgic pains, it is very sharp, like an electric shock, burning, throbbing, and very unpleasant. She is able to give, as already mentioned, to the ear, jaw, and shoulder, respectively, to the side of the lesion. Also, the symptoms of neuralgia of the ear node may be indicated by complaints such as.

What can provoke an attack of this pain? Most often, this is a very hot liquid food - soup, tea, exposure to frost and wind, followed by hypothermia of the face. Intense physical work with a rush of blood to the face (tilt work). To provoke this pain, as well as any other neuralgia, can, or psycho-emotional stress. As a rule, an attack of such pain does not last long - a few minutes, and in any case, its duration does not exceed an hour.

Sometimes the provocation of an attack can be caused by changes in such environmental factors as a change in atmospheric pressure (since the tympanic membrane, the innervation of which is associated with the ear ganglion, sensitively perceives these vibrations). Somewhat less often, attacks are activated when the air temperature changes (more often - lowering) and humidity.

All of the above makes it clear that the favorite time of the year for exacerbating this type of neuralgia (as, indeed, for most others - and) is the spring-autumn time.

If the pain reaches a certain threshold, then the muscles of the Eustachian (auditory) tube respond to it with a spasm. This spasm leads to a change in pressure in the tube, and the eardrum, releasing excess air, produces a characteristic "click". Sometimes there may be a feeling of congestion in the ear.

An increase in the separation of saliva on the side of the lesion during a painful attack is another characteristic sign of this vegetalgia. In the "light" intervals, the function of salivation is not impaired.

How to diagnose ear ganglioneuritis?

Clinically - on the basis of a characteristic picture of complaints. The diagnosis is confirmed by painful points on palpation of the head - the Richet point, as well as an increase in pain sensitivity and discomfort in the parotid region;
By carrying out a special blockade of the ear ganglion by introducing a local anesthetic - novocaine or a smaller amount of lidocaine. This procedure, in addition to verifying the diagnosis, brings significant relief to the patient. The introduction of an anesthetic into the Richet point is carried out with a simple needle. The substance must be injected between the anterior cartilage of the external auditory meatus and the process of the mandible without damaging the temporal artery.
To exclude signs of inflammation in the parotid salivary gland, a dentist must be examined, an otolaryngologist examines for the presence of chronic inflammatory diseases of the ear, throat and nose.
Bilateral ultrasound of the parotid salivary gland is performed;
It is mandatory to conduct magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and bone structures of the skull, to exclude a volumetric process.

Treatment of ear vegetalgia

As always, interventions consist of emergency pain management and general therapy, in which the underlying cause is treated and new attacks are not allowed to appear. Treatment is also considered effective if the duration of the “light” intervals increases.

For the purpose, unlike anticonvulsants in trigeminal neuralgia, ganglionic blocking drugs are used: pentamine, arfonad, pyrilene, benzohexonium. Antispasmodics (No-Shpa, Galidor, papaverine hydrochloride) have a good therapeutic effect. Unlike trigeminal neuralgia, with neuralgia of the ear ganglion, muscle spasm plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus, relaxation of the muscles of the auditory tube can reduce pain and discomfort in the ear.

Sedatives (Valerian, Persen-Forte, Fitosedan) and hypnotics (Zopiclone (Imovan), Donormil, Phenazepam) are used. Previously used barbiturates (luminal, veronal, barbamil, etaminal - sodium), but now, due to severe side effects, they are not used.

According to the scheme, vitamins of group B (including nicotinic acid) are used, electrophoresis is performed with novocaine or thiamine (vitamin B 1).

In the photo - The drug "Milgamma" - a combination therapy with B vitamins

In the event that salivation is expressed, platifillin is used to reduce secretion. An important link in the treatment of possible edema is the use of antihistamines.

Great importance is attached to physiotherapeutic procedures and methods: magnetotherapy, laser therapy, massage, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, heating of biologically active points with wormwood cigars.

It should be noted that relapses of the disease are possible. To avoid them, you need to sanitize the oral cavity in a timely manner, cure your teeth, try not to exacerbate existing chronic diseases of the ENT organs, monitor blood sugar levels.

Acoustic neuritis is a pathology of the nervous system, which is characterized by the occurrence of an inflammatory process with impaired auditory function.

Provoking factors in the development of auditory neuritis

The causes of development are varied, but most often the disease develops as a complication of the infectious process in the body. It can be the flu, SARS or rubella, when the pathogen spreads through the body through the blood. In meningitis, mumps, the main role is played by the proximity of the focus of infection to the auditory nerve. Toxic nerve damage is observed with uncontrolled long-term use of drugs or under the influence of harmful substances at work. In addition, do not forget about the effect of alcohol and smoking on the nervous system. Damage to the cochlear nerve is observed with a traumatic brain injury, as well as under the influence of harmful professional factors (noise, sound or vibration). It is especially difficult to treat neuritis due to age-related changes, since several damaging factors act simultaneously. In addition, cochlear neuritis may have an allergic nature of occurrence.

Clinical symptoms of auditory neuritis

With damage to the cochlear nerve, hearing loss is brought to the fore, since it is this symptom that worries the most. The degree of auditory dysfunction ranges from slight to complete loss. In addition, in the absence of treatment, there is a gradual progression of the disease and an increase in hearing loss. A constant companion of hearing loss is ringing or noise in the ears, however, with a complete loss of auditory function, these symptoms are absent. Other clinical manifestations may be disturbing depending on the degree of inflammation activity, the duration of the course and the involvement of additional structures in the pathological process. These include dizziness, nausea, unsteadiness when walking, ear pain, increased blood pressure, hyperthermia, headache and other symptoms of acoustic neuritis.

Therapeutic directions for acoustic neuritis

If a diagnosis is made - neuritis, how to treat it depends on the nature of its occurrence, because the tactics used in one case may be categorically unacceptable in another. To begin with, it is worth analyzing the most common cause of the development of neuritis - this is an infectious pathogen, as well as ways to influence it. Before starting the treatment of acoustic neuritis, it is necessary to find out the type of pathogen. So, in the case of a viral etiology, antiviral drugs should be used, and in case of a bacterial infection, it is rational to use antibiotics. For the correct selection of the drug, it is necessary to first grow the culture on a nutrient medium and determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibacterial agents. Thus, the drug will purposefully act on the pathogen, which will shorten the duration of treatment. However, in addition to pathogenetic therapy, it is necessary to reduce the intensity of clinical manifestations and improve a person's well-being. For this purpose, apply:

antioxidants in the form of vitamins, in particular ascorbic acid. It prevents damage to cells and tissues;
an abundant drinking regimen is necessary to stimulate the excretion of toxic waste products of viruses and bacteria, thereby reducing the severity of the intoxication syndrome;
rest and proper nutrition are necessary to preserve strength and supply a source of energy.

How to treat neuritis if the cause of its development was intoxication. It can occur as a result of chronic poisoning with various substances, the detrimental effect of which is directed to the auditory nerve. Due to the long-term influence of the destructive factor, a gradual destruction of the nerve is observed. To reduce its impact, apply:

special antidotes that are able to bind toxic substances and remove from the body;
symptomatic therapy, which includes the use of drugs that eliminate adverse reactions and symptoms caused by a toxic substance;
to consolidate the result and the final removal of toxins, it is necessary to apply physiotherapeutic methods, balneotherapy, mineral baths, mud therapy and spa treatment.

If acute poisoning is observed, then an ambulance should be called, which will provide first aid and transport to the hospital for hospitalization. Specialized assistance includes:

detoxification therapy, the purpose of which is to remove toxins from the body. For this, special solutions for intravenous infusions and antidotes of those substances that caused poisoning are used;
symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating or reducing the severity of clinical manifestations of intoxication;
neurotropic drugs and vitamins, in particular group B, which protect nerve cells and improve their functioning;
resuscitation with the use of mechanical ventilation, indirect heart massage and special medicines necessary in cases of clinical death due to poisoning.

With a traumatic brain injury, it is necessary to apply complex treatment to prevent the development of serious complications, including neuritis of the auditory nerve. Treatment is carried out in a hospital under the supervision of specialists. So, you need to use diuretics, due to which the swelling of the brain tissue decreases, which prevents the medulla oblongata from being wedged into the foramen magnum of the skull. In addition, drugs are needed that control blood pressure and improve blood circulation through the vessels of the brain. Pain medications are used to reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome, and if seizures develop, anticonvulsants should be used. In order to visualize damage to the tissue and bones of the skull, as well as to determine the severity, it is advisable to conduct an x-ray examination, magnetic resonance imaging and echo encephalography. In addition, an examination by a neurologist and an ophthalmologist is necessary to rule out pathology. In the future, if the auditory nerve is damaged, surgical intervention is required, however, while maintaining its integrity, the use of drugs that improve cerebral circulation, support the functioning of nerve cells, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes is recommended. Treatment of ear neuritis caused by occupational hazards will not be effective enough if the damaging factor continues to be exposed. The maximum result will be achieved when changing the place of work, where there are no hazard data. For specific and non-specific protection of the body from damaging effects, you can use:

physiotherapy procedures, in particular electrophoresis on the skull area. Due to the electric field, medicinal substances penetrate through all layers of the skin directly into the auditory nerve;
balneotherapy, mud therapy, the use of radon baths and spa treatment have a stimulating and strengthening effect, and also activate regeneration processes, as a result of which microtraumas of the nerve fibers that form the auditory nerve are healed as soon as possible;
magnetotherapy affects the structure of nerves, changing their physical and chemical properties;
acupuncture is used for therapeutic purposes and to reduce pain;
biostimulants and biologically active substances increase the resistance of the nerve to the action of a wide range of harmful physical and chemical factors and agents;
vitamins - to activate and normalize metabolic processes in the auditory nerve.

Such therapy should be repeated a couple of times a year and be registered with an audiologist (a doctor who deals with hearing pathology). In case of complete loss of hearing function as a result of prolonged or intense exposure to harmful production factors, it is necessary to carry out prosthetics. In acute sound injury, painkillers, drugs that activate the blood supply to the nerve and the nervous system as a whole through small vessels, as well as sedatives for human sedation, should be used. Antibacterial drugs and antiseptics are necessary to prevent the activation of pathogenic flora in the ear. In the future, it is rational to use physiotherapeutic procedures, taking vitamins and biostimulants (adaptogens). Treatment of acoustic neuritis, which is based on age-related changes, will not be able to provide a complete restoration of the nerve structure. It is used to improve local circulation, support cognitive functions of the brain, control blood pressure, cholesterol, and more. Since the atrophic process is characterized by a chronic course, the recovery and treatment of ear neuritis also require long-term medication:

lowering blood pressure, used to normalize it and prevent sudden rises;
agents that have a hypocholesterolemic effect, which is necessary for atherosclerotic lesions of the brain vessels;
medicines that can affect the blood coagulation system. They are used in the presence of thrombosis or a high risk of its development;
drugs that improve cerebral circulation, which ensures an adequate supply of oxygen and necessary substances to the auditory nerve;
trophic agents that support the full vitality of brain cells and tissues;
vitamin complexes and biologically active substances;
physiotherapy procedures;
balneotherapy and spa treatment.

Despite the cause of neuritis and the degree of its activity, the key to success is the timely appeal to a specialist for the purpose of early diagnosis and pathogenetic treatment. In the case of starting therapy at an early stage of the disease, the probability of complete restoration of auditory function can reach 100%. The longer the pathological process, the less chance of hearing normalization.

Acoustic neuritis (cochlear neuritis) is an inflammatory pathology that affects the nerve from the inner ear. It is responsible for transmitting impulses to the brain. Pathology can develop due to various reasons, which usually determine the tactics of treatment.

Description of the disease

Acoustic neuritis is a disease of the nervous system, caused by an inflammatory process and a violation of the quality of hearing. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in patients older than 50 years, and in males. They very rarely seek medical help, considering hearing loss to be normal. Pathology is mainly diagnosed in urban residents. The thing is that intense background noise negatively affects the main organ of hearing.

Depending on the prescription of the disease, three of its forms are distinguished. These are acute, subacute and chronic. The first option is characterized by rapid development. Since there are usually no visible changes, many patients attribute the sudden hearing loss to cerumen. Chronic neuritis of the auditory nerve develops imperceptibly and can make itself felt by exacerbation if the disease was not diagnosed in a timely manner.

Anatomy of the auditory nerve

The auditory nerve is the conductive part of the hearing analyzer. It consists of several thousand nerve fibers, each of which receives a certain frequency of sound. Fibers from the upper part of the cochlea transform low-frequency waves, from the base - high-frequency sounds.

The nerve signal is recognized in the temporal areas of the brain, then it is processed and correlated with human sensations. This is a very complex physiological process that provides the ability to hear sounds and determine their origin.

With this disease, subcortical hearing centers, hair cells and nerve endings usually suffer. Microcirculation is disturbed, hypoxia of the cells of the nerve trunk gradually develops, which becomes inflamed and ceases to function fully.

Causes of hearing loss

The main feature of the auditory nerve is its increased sensitivity to external as well as internal influences of negative factors. As a result, the causes that provoke the development of the inflammatory process can be of a different nature. Why does acoustic neuritis develop?

Pathologies of congenital nature.
Bacterial infections with localization in the nasopharynx, neck or brain (flu, mumps, meningitis).
Toxic effects (drinking alcohol, poisoning with mercury or lead, drugs).
Professional activity (work in the area of high noise and vibration levels).
Mechanical damage and head trauma.
Age-related features, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, the development of atherosclerosis.
Allergic reactions.
Tumor lesions.

How does acoustic neuritis manifest itself: symptoms

Treatment of the disease depends on its form. Acute neuritis occurs suddenly and progresses rapidly. Pain discomfort and other symptoms of the disease are usually absent. Tests using a tuning fork can reveal a violation of sound perception.

Acoustic neuritis is characterized by the following symptoms:

Hearing loss is the main symptom of the disease. If all the necessary treatment measures are not taken in a timely manner, the risk of complete deafness increases.
Constant noise, buzzing in the ears.

If the patient, when these symptoms appear, seeks help from a doctor, in most cases the prognosis is favorable. Patients with serious disorders of the vestibular nature, who neglect their own health, develop irreversible changes in the main organ of hearing.

Chronic neuritis of the auditory nerve has a different clinical picture. Symptoms in this case are practically not disturbing, and the disease itself proceeds with periods of exacerbations and subsequent remissions.

This form of the disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

Frequent dizziness, unsteady gait.
Paroxysmal pain in the ears.
Weakness, headache, nausea, pallor.
"Flies" before the eyes.
Fever, cough, runny nose.

Establishing diagnosis

If cochlear neuritis of the auditory nerve is suspected, it is recommended to seek help from an otolaryngologist. At the appointment, the doctor initially examines the ear, then collects a complete history and asks a number of clarifying questions (previous diseases, duration of symptoms, etc.). After confirming the diagnosis, the specialist usually conducts additional studies to rule out other pathologies.

To identify the true cause of the disease, as a rule, it is recommended to consult related specialists and a number of additional tests (X-ray of the skull, biochemical blood test, CT scan).

Medical treatment

Before proceeding with the treatment of the disease, it is important to determine all the causes that provoked neuritis of the auditory nerve. Treatment of patients with an acute form of pathology is carried out in the ENT department. Usually, patients are prescribed diuretics ("Hypothiazide"), drugs to improve cerebral circulation ("Cavinton") and stimulate metabolism ("Cocarboxylase"). A special role is given to detoxification therapy.

Treatment of the chronic form begins with the elimination of the main etiological factor. Therapy of infectious neuritis includes taking antiviral agents (Ingavirin, Arbidol), antibacterial (Amoxicillin) and anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen, Ortofen) drugs. Also, to accelerate cellular metabolism, vitamin complexes and antioxidants are prescribed.

A different approach in therapy requires toxic neuritis of the auditory nerve. Folk remedies in this matter are usually ineffective. Patients are usually prescribed antidotes. These are special substances responsible for removing toxins from the body. Patients are shown symptomatic therapy, as well as rehabilitation and recovery measures.

Treatment of traumatic neuritis is prescribed only after an x-ray of the skull and a consultation with a neurologist. Patients are usually prescribed diuretics and anticonvulsants, as well as analgesics. After stabilization of the general condition, they proceed to general strengthening therapy with the use of vitamins and nootropic drugs.

Therapy of a disease caused by professional activity should be started only after a change of workplace. Otherwise, it will be ineffective. Patients are prescribed biostimulants, vitamins, painkillers.

With the progression of the disease and a sharp deterioration in the quality of hearing, doctors, as a rule, decide on hearing aids.

Acoustic neuritis: treatment with folk remedies

Traditional healers offer their own recipes for the treatment of such an insidious disease. Below we consider only the most popular of them.

Garlic treatment. Before going to bed, you need to finely chop the garlic and mix it with three drops of any oil. The resulting mixture should be carefully folded into gauze, wrapped and inserted into the ear. After a burning sensation appears, the garlic can be removed.
Help golden mustache. You will need one large or several small leaves of this plant. They should be finely chopped and sent to cook for just a few minutes. Let it brew in a thermos. The resulting decoction is recommended to be consumed three times a day, one teaspoon.

You should resort to the help of alternative medicine only after consulting with your doctor. Otherwise, the disease will progress, which is fraught with complete hearing loss.

Forecast

The prognosis for this disease depends on its form and stage, as well as on the timeliness of the therapy started. In the case of infectious pathologies, injuries and acute poisoning, patients manage to cope with the problem. Complete deafness is observed in the severe course of the disease, the lack of adequate therapy. For example, alternative treatment of neuritis of the auditory nerve and the rejection of traditional medicine can lead to such very deplorable consequences.

If a patient is diagnosed with a chronic form of the disease, the prognosis is less favorable. Complete restoration of hearing is allowed only at an early start of treatment, when the pathological processes have not yet had time to fully spread along the nerve. In the case of senile changes in the ear, through competent therapy, inflammation can be stopped, but not completely defeated.

How to prevent the disease?

Prevention of this pathology is based on the exclusion of all factors that can provoke its development. First of all, doctors recommend timely treatment of all diseases of an infectious nature. It is equally important to avoid contact with toxic substances, use protective equipment when working with them, and take medications only as prescribed by a doctor. Elderly people are recommended to undergo annual preventive examinations, take the necessary tests and control blood pressure.

Conclusion

This article provides information on the topic "Acoustic neuritis: symptoms, treatment, prevention." Despite the danger of this disease, the key to its successful therapy is timely diagnosis and strict adherence to all doctor's recommendations. Adequate treatment guarantees almost 100% complete restoration of hearing. The longer the pathological process, the less chance of a quick recovery.

Inflammation of nerve fibers is usually accompanied by pain attacks, loss of sensation and fever. The consequences can be different, up to partial or complete loss of innervation (connection with the central nervous system) of the area where the lesion is located. These pathological processes include cochlear neuritis, which is a consequence of inflammation in the inner ear. If left unattended, this phenomenon can lead to hearing loss and even complete deafness. That is why doctors advise paying attention to the symptoms of neuritis of the auditory nerve and treatment in this case will be performed in a timely manner.

Cochlear neuritis can occur directly from birth or at any other age. This pathology is characterized by tinnitus and pain attacks, as well as irreversible consequences, such as hearing loss. It can occur both on one ear, and on 2 at once. In the case of acute inflammation of the ear nerve, the process ends with deafness in 2-3 days.

Damage to the auditory nerve occurs due to many factors, and the main ones are considered to be the following:

Dystrophic disorders located in the articular cartilage of the cervical region;
Failures in the work of the cardiovascular system;
Serious head injuries, especially those localized in the temporal region;
Neoplasm in the auditory nerve bundle;
allergic reactions;
Deposits of atheromatous plaques in the vessels (atherosclerosis);
Disruptions in the endocrine system;
Hemorrhage arising in the inner ear;
A complication after an infection, such as meningitis, lichen, or typhoid;
Otitis media of acute, chronic and purulent nature;
Pathological growth of the bone in the middle ear, which arose against the background of failures in the ear circulatory system;
Influenza, SARS;
Atrophic changes that have arisen in the nervous tissue due to a long course of taking medications (antibiotics, diuretics, etc.) that contribute to the development of intoxication in the ear apparatus.

Cochlear neuritis occurs due to many reasons, but most often it appears due to transferred or complicated infectious diseases prone to the appearance of an inflammatory process. In addition to the factors mentioned above, less common ones should be noted:

Addiction to bad habits (smoking, alcoholism);
Constant exposure to noisy environments;
Work associated with a prolonged sensation of vibration.

Symptoms

When the auditory nerve is damaged, people are most often tormented by constant noise or ringing against the background of a general hearing loss. Such attacks can haunt the patient around the clock or occur spontaneously. This pathological process manifests itself due to spasms in the ear vessels, which are the result of a malfunction in the blood circulation of the hearing aid. Over time, hearing loss develops (hearing acuity decreases) and if the inflammation of the auditory nerve is not treated, then the person will become completely deaf.

Initially, the symptoms concern only one ear, but as the disease progresses, the disease passes to a healthy ear apparatus. Further, the patient begins to suffer from nausea, up to vomiting and dizziness. Over time, a person hears worse and worse, and the manifestations of the disease intensify.

Acute neuritis of the auditory nerve is quite rare, and it is especially dangerous, since the symptoms develop at lightning speed and literally in 2-3 days the patient becomes completely deaf. For this form of the disease, the following symptoms are characteristic:

Rhinitis (runny nose);
Rapid rise in temperature;
High pressure;
Cough;
Hyperemia (blood overflow);
Dizziness;
Failures in coordination of movements.

The pain attack occurs mainly due to rapid movements of the head, as well as during walking or tilting. If the disease has touched both ears, then it is difficult for the patient to speak and he must be urgently hospitalized. Treatment of acoustic neuritis in such a situation takes place exclusively in a hospital setting with the help of intensive care aimed at avoiding hearing loss.

Diagnostics

An ENT doctor will have to diagnose cochlear neuritis after conducting all the necessary tests. The specialist will determine the cause of the pathological process, the degree of damage to the auditory nerve and prescribe a course of therapy.

Initially, the patient is examined and questioned, and then instrumental methods are used to diagnose hearing loss. One of them is pure tone audiometry. It determines the threshold of frequencies that the patient can hear, as well as the degree of damage to the nerve fibers. If signs of pathology (poor perception of high frequencies) were found in both ears, then this indicates the presence of a pathology of the auditory nerve.
The doctor, relying on the results of the study, will prescribe a course of therapy and prescribe a hearing aid with the required frequency of perception. Such a procedure effectively helps even small children, since it can be carried out during the game or if the child is sleeping, and the examination is absolutely painless.

In case of a head injury, brain tomography (computer, magnetic resonance), as well as x-rays and encephalography are additionally prescribed. Such examination methods will allow the expert to assess the extent of damage.

Course of therapy

Understanding how to treat acoustic neuritis is quite difficult, because the course of therapy consists of a whole range of procedures aimed at restoring hearing. This can not be done in all cases, since after typhus, malaria and other infectious pathologies, hearing loss occurs suddenly and people can become completely deaf in a matter of days. The same applies to the toxic effects of various poisonous elements.

Restoring hearing completely in such situations is virtually unrealistic.

The course of therapy is compiled by a doctor who selects procedures and medications depending on the cause of the pathological process:

If the culprit is a viral infection, then medications with an antiviral effect are prescribed;
When neuritis is due to bacteria, the doctor prescribes a course of antibiotics;
For the treatment of the chronic form of the disease, it is required to additionally use drugs based on iodine and nicotinic acid, as well as to inject glucose.

The doctor-audiologist deals with the treatment of this type of pathology. Patients, especially those with chronic cochlear neuritis at least 2 times a year, undergo scheduled diagnostics by this specialist.

With any causative agent of the disease, vitamins will not interfere with the patient's body to improve immune protection. In addition to them, a person suffering from acoustic neuritis should be constantly in bed and drink plenty of fluids to remove toxins, such as warm tea.

If head trauma is the main cause of nerve damage, treatment is symptomatic. It is necessary to drink diuretics (diuretic medicines) to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. To eliminate a pain attack or a spasm that occurs, drugs with anticonvulsant and analgesic effects will help.

In case of poisoning with toxic substances, it is necessary to drink drugs to remove them (sorbents) and sit on a special diet. It should contain more vegetables and dairy products. Physiotherapeutic procedures and mud treatment have a good effect.

For working specialties, the main factor influencing the development of pathology is poor working conditions. For example, construction workers are constantly in a noisy environment and experience vibrations. You can fix the problem by changing the place of work, since otherwise inflammation of the nerve will not be cured.

If, due to an external stimulus, a person has completely lost his hearing, then he will need a hearing aid. In addition to him, with an injury of this type, the patient is prescribed medications with a sedative effect, as well as to improve blood circulation. In any case, hearing acuity decreases with time and by old age it will be lower than at a young age. It is completely impossible to remove such consequences and older people will need to constantly monitor their pressure and cholesterol levels. After 60-65 years, atrophic changes in the auditory muscles have a chronic course.

Hearing prosthetics is usually prescribed by a specialist if the patient's perception of sounds has decreased to 40 dB or less and there are problems with speech, which is the reason for wearing a hearing aid. Prosthetics are performed individually, depending on the degree of hearing loss.

Sometimes surgery is required to treat the ear. It is performed in order to remove tumors, hematomas, as well as for implantation. If the patient is constantly worried about tinnitus and dizziness, the doctor may amputate the tympanic plexus or perform a cervical sympathectomy (nerve trunk blockage).

To protect the body from the effects of environmental stimuli and to enhance the main course of treatment, the following procedures are prescribed:

Mineral baths, healing mud treatment and rest in a sanatorium can accelerate the healing of nerve fibers and eliminate the inflammatory process;
It is possible to normalize the physical and chemical properties of nerve fibers with the help of magnetotherapy;
It is possible to improve nutrition and accelerate regeneration using physiotherapeutic procedures like electrophoresis, since the electric field penetrates well into tissues;
To reduce the pain attack and speed up the recovery of the auditory nerve, you can use acupuncture. In addition to it, acupuncture, phonophoresis and oxygen barotherapy have a good effect on damaged nerve fibers.

Often, complications can be avoided in any course of cochlear neuritis, and for this it is enough to contact an ENT doctor in a timely manner for examination and examination. A timely course of therapy allows you to avoid hearing loss, but if the situation is running, then it is virtually impossible to restore hearing completely.

Traditional medicine methods

To get rid of neuritis of the auditory nerve by treatment with folk remedies will not work completely, but you can alleviate the condition and improve the effect of the main course of therapy. Use of such methods is allowed only after consulting a doctor.

The following alternative methods can be used as an addition to the course of ear treatment:

You can cure the auditory nerve with a compress. It is based on grated garlic and 2-3 drops of camphor oil. The finished mixture should be put on gauze, and then applied to the ear. It is better to do this at night, and if a burning sensation occurs, then you need to urgently remove the compress and rinse the auricle;
A decoction made from a golden mustache can help relieve inflammation. For cooking, you need to take 3 leaves of this plant and pour 1 liter of them. water and then boil for 5 minutes. Further, the medicine should be allowed to brew for a day, and then you can drink this remedy 3 times a day, 1 tsp.

Forecast and prevention

With timely treatment, neuritis of the auditory nerve passes without any complications. Basically, it turns out to return the acuity of hearing entirely, but in some cases it turns out only to stop the pathological process and remove inflammation.

In a situation where the nerve began to die, the forecasts are extremely disappointing. The patient will certainly lose his hearing and in such a situation it is necessary to perform a prosthetics procedure in order to restore the ability to fully perceive the world around him. The rhythm of life with a properly selected hearing aid will not change much and a person will be able to continue working and doing his own thing.

It is better to avoid pathology than to treat it, but for this it is necessary to follow the rules of prevention:

Do not overcool;
Treat to the end all pathologies of ENT organs;
If the work process takes place with constant noise, then it is necessary to wear special headphones to protect the organ of hearing;
Drink a vitamin complex, especially in spring and autumn;
Try to follow a healthy lifestyle;
Do not use toxic drugs;
If the work is associated with a danger to the hearing aid, then you should undergo an audiometry 2 times a year.

Acoustic neuritis is not a fatal disease, but it can lead to disability, as hearing will gradually deteriorate. You can prevent this by following the rules of prevention, but if symptoms of the disease appear, you should contact an ENT doctor for an examination.

Inflammation of the auditory nerve (neuritis) can be both congenital and acquired. The acquired disease is associated, as a rule, with atherosclerosis, intoxication, metabolic disorders, infections and internal disorders. Acoustic neuritis, the treatment and symptoms of which are based on the clinical picture, can be determined using certain research methods, such as audiometry.

Neuritis is often diagnosed in elderly patients, especially men over the age of 50. It is not uncommon for middle-aged patients to visit an otolaryngologist. What causes inflammation of the auditory nerve? What are the symptoms of the disease? What is the treatment?

Acoustic neuritis is usually triggered by atherosclerosis of the arteries of the brain, a sharp jump in blood pressure, especially in elderly patients. Infectious, viral diseases also contribute to the development of inflammation in the ear.

With intoxication (toxic neuritis of the ear), poisoning with mercury vapor, lead and other poisons, necrosis or atrophy of the hearing aid may occur. The risk group includes people whose professional activities are associated with heavy metals, toxic poisons.

In children, a disease of the auditory nerve often appears against the background of diseases such as mumps (mumps), rubella due to a weakened immune system. The likelihood of inflammation after a skull injury is very high.

Infectious inflammation of the nerve

Neuritis can manifest itself as a complication of a large number of diseases. Most often, inflammation is preceded by the following pathologies:

Influenza, the viruses of which affect the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. They are carried to all tissues of the body, thus infecting the hearing aid.
Acute respiratory viral infections (colds) are caused by parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and others. SARS often give complications of neuritis in young children and elderly adults.
Meningitis is caused by bacteria, viruses that infect the lining of the brain. This contributes to inflammation of the auditory nerve, which is partially located in the region of the skull.
Mumps is the most common viral disease in children, the virus infects the parotid salivary glands.
Rubella is not a dangerous disease, but its virus can complicate the nerve located in the ear and cause typical symptoms.

Toxic inflammation

Toxic damage to the auditory nerve appears against the background of prolonged action of toxic substances on the human body:

Traumatic brain injury

During an injury, blood circulation is disturbed, edema and minor hemorrhages occur in the capillaries. Often, with an injury, the blood flow in the arteries of the auditory nerve is disturbed, most often this occurs with fractures of the bones of the skull of the temple. The damaged nerve becomes infected, causing inflammation.

Professional impact factor

Inflammation in the auditory nerve is characteristic of people whose work activity is associated with a long stay in the zone of increased noise. For example, industrial production, where there are systems that emit technical noise.

While listening to music, audio works, with the help of headphones, many turn on the maximum sound on the listening device. Too loud sound increases the pressure in the ears. This causes nerve injury.

Age changes

Symptoms of acoustic neuritis in the elderly are associated with jumps in blood pressure, which disrupts blood circulation. The auditory nerve does not receive enough blood, which causes it to become inflamed.

Main symptoms

The following symptoms occur with inflammation of the nerve in the ear:

Inflammation of the nerve of the hearing aid can be either unilateral or bilateral. There are several degrees of development of complications of inflammation of the auditory apparatus. Symptoms by which acoustic neuritis can be determined are diagnosed during the examination of the patient. Then he is sent for audiometry to make an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is prescribed only after a complete diagnosis.

Diagnostics

The only way to diagnose acoustic neuritis is audiometry. This diagnostic study makes it possible to determine the acuity of hearing and the sensitivity of the perception of sounds of different frequencies. With the help of a special device - an audiometer, you can determine diseases in the bone tissue, examine air patency. This diagnostic method determines various diseases of the ears, including inflammation of the ear nerve, in order to prescribe the correct treatment.

Principles of treatment

The correct treatment depends on the type of inflammation of the hearing aid nerve. If the disease is provoked by viruses, infections, then, first of all, antibiotic therapy is carried out. Also prescribe vitamin preparations, drink plenty of water. If the pathology is caused by intoxication and poisoning, then therapy is carried out with the help of antidotes that remove toxins from the body.

The complex treatment includes physiotherapy procedures, mineral baths. If neuritis manifested itself against the background of a traumatic brain injury, painkillers, diuretic drugs are prescribed. Medicines to improve blood circulation and vitamin preparations are included in the complex treatment.