Why is the ear numb?

Numbness is a decrease in the sensitivity of a part of the skin or organ. In this case, additional signs may be sensations of "goose bumps", tingling sensations. Often the ear becomes numb after sleep. This is due to a long uncomfortable position during a night's rest. A concomitant symptom in this case is numbness of the hand, half of the face.

These conditions should not cause concern, since these unpleasant sensations disappear within the next few minutes. If these symptoms persist within a short time, you can massage the numb areas, rub them with a coarse towel, or use a massager.

Another physiological process when the earlobes go numb is hypothermia. At the same time, they become pale, sharply cold. This condition is caused by a spasm of the superficial vessels of the skin, which tend to retain heat inside the body. Warming procedures and a warm headdress help to normalize the situation.

Pathological conditions

The reasons when the ear grows numb can also be due to pathological conditions. These include

vascular disorders;
brain diseases;
osteochondrosis or hernia of the cervical spine;
high blood pressure;
endocrine disorders;
ear infection;
tumor processes.

Diseases of the brain and blood vessels

The most common disease, accompanied by damage to the vessels of the brain, is a violation of cerebral circulation, both ischemic and hypertensive in nature. Depending on the extent and depth of the lesion, its localization, the symptoms may be different. In some cases, persistent numbness of some organs, skin areas develops. In more severe cases, there may be organ dysfunction, paralysis, inability to exercise motor activity, loss of consciousness.

Even with minor symptoms, when there is only ear numbness, which persists for some time, not associated with an uncomfortable position of the body or hypothermia, a consultation with a neurologist is necessary. A specialist, after conducting an objective examination, will be able to clarify the nature of the lesion, determine its localization and prescribe appropriate treatment aimed at restoring vascular patency.

Among brain diseases, multiple sclerosis most often leads to the development of this symptomatology. it the disease is characterized by the fact that the nervous tissue of the brain is replaced by connective fibers for some reason. Depending on the localization of the pathological focus, clinical symptoms vary. One of the initial signs may be the patient's complaint that the ear is numb.

The development of a brain tumor leads to compression of areas and dysfunction. Moreover, the development of this symptomatology can be characteristic of both a benign process and a malignant tumor.

The presence of oncopathology determines the development of additional symptoms in the form of malaise, lack of appetite, weight loss, and the development of subfebrile condition.

Clarification of the diagnosis in this case is facilitated by the use of hardware techniques:

Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
CT scan.

Inflammatory processes

The feeling that the ear is numb inside is very characteristic of the development of inflammation of the middle ear or auditory tube. This symptom may appear after the development of any catarrhal symptoms, diving in the pool. Concomitant symptoms are hearing impairment, tinnitus, and discomfort. With the development of the process, there is a pronounced pain syndrome, an increase in temperature.

This condition requires treatment. Otherwise, catarrhal inflammation can transform into purulent, which will require more significant efforts in treatment.

At the initial stage, vasoconstrictor nasal drops, dry heat are effective. An otolaryngologist, after performing an otoscopy, may prescribe antibiotic therapy and ear drops.

Spine diseases

Often, numbness in the ears is a manifestation of osteochondrosis or a hernia of the cervical spine.

Destructive processes occurring in the cervical vertebrae lead to infringement of the nerve fibers passing through them, which is manifested by the development of this symptomatology. Additional signs in this case are morning stiffness, crunching and pain when turning the head. In some cases, the patient assumes a forced body position.

As therapeutic measures, physiotherapy procedures can be used, including massage and physiotherapy exercises, as well as spa treatment using therapeutic mud. In the presence of a hernia of the spine, one of the treatment methods is surgery.

Among endocrine disorders, this symptom is most characteristic in hypothyroidism. Since edema of the Eustachian tube is noted in this condition, among the complaints are tinnitus, hearing loss. Patients are characterized by lethargy, decreased intelligence. An objective examination reveals dry skin and hair loss. Determining the level of thyroid hormones allows you to diagnose this pathology and prescribe corrective treatment.

In order to navigate further actions in the presence of ear numbness, it is necessary to study the entire complex of accompanying signs. Additional symptoms may include