See how hearing works and exactly what each condition changes — in interactive 3D with a live sound trace — then find care.
Conditions in this section
Hearing Loss — Sound is lost on its way in or in the inner ear — very common with age and noise, and greatly helped by hearing aids.
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) — An infection behind the eardrum causes ear pain and a temporary hearing dip — very common in children, and usually settles.
Earwax Blockage — Wax builds up and blocks the ear canal, muffling hearing — very common and easily fixed.
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) — Hearing a ringing or buzzing with no outside source — very common, usually harmless, and manageable.
Vertigo & Balance Problems — A spinning sensation from the inner ear’s balance organ — unpleasant, but often very treatable.
Otosclerosis — Abnormal bone growth stiffens a tiny middle-ear bone, so it can’t pass sound on — a treatable cause of hearing loss.