Auditory
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The tumor usually grows slowly. As it grows, it presses against the hearing and balance nerves. At first, you may have no symptoms or mild symptoms. They can include:
- Loss of hearing on one side
- Ringing in ears
- Dizziness and balance problems
The tumor can also eventually cause numbness or paralysis of the face. If it grows large enough, it can press against the brain, becoming life-threatening.
Acoustic neuroma can be difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are similar to those of middle ear problems. Ear exams, hearing tests, and scans can show if you have it.
If the tumor stays small, you may only need to have it checked regularly. If you do need treatment, surgery and radiation are options.
If the tumors affect both hearing nerves, it is often because of a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis.
NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders
Felter's Materia Medica on Auditory
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ... the irritation of the aural canal when due to the presence of hardened wax. Eczema of the external auditory canal has been cured by it. In both acute and chronic otitis media it may be employed hopef... / ...The preparation preferred is the colorless, though other hydrastis preparations, particularly berberine and hydrastin salts are useful, b1
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ...nt mentholated petrolatum may be used as a stimulating agent when there is a lack of cerumen in the auditory canal, and for boils in that passage a 20 per cent oil solution is very comforting. A 10 to... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
Olive Oil, Sweet Oil. A fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of Olea europaea, Linné (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae). The olive tree of Asia and southern... / ...he body, but it is less useful than wool fat or cacao butter. It is the safest oil to drop into the auditory canal to kill live insects and facilitate their removal afterward by syringing with warm wa... / ...however, be given in either phosphorus or cantharides poisoning, as the activity of these substances through oil solution is decidedly increased.1