Psychosomatics of otitis in children and adults

Ear infections, or otitis media, can afflict both adults and children. Although it is frequently associated with physical causes such as viruses or bacteria, there is growing interest in the potential role of psychological and emotional factors. According to psychosomatics—the study of the relationship between the mind and body—stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotions may play a role in the emergence of otitis media.

Ear infections in kids can occasionally be a sign of emotional distress or trouble expressing emotions. Recurrent otitis can indicate physical manifestations of underlying stress or unresolved conflicts in adults. Recognizing these possible emotional triggers can assist in treating the underlying emotional issues as well as the physical symptoms.

We can treat otitis media more holistically by examining the psychosomatic aspects of the condition and emphasizing not just the physical body but also mental health.

General information

An inflammatory condition affecting one of the hearing organs is called otitis. When an ear becomes inflamed, otitis externa is the term used. The middle ear is affected by the middle (and most common) one, and an inner ear pathology called labyrinthitis results. Eight out of ten children under the age of three have experienced otitis media at least once, according to statistics. The illness may strike more often in older age groups. Otitis media becomes less common as a child grows because, for the most part, the Eustachian tube grows and expands with the child.

The most common causes of inflammation are viruses, fungi, and bacteria. The mechanism underlying the development of inflammation is frequently closely linked to the concurrent, preexisting runny nose that occurs when pathogens enter the auditory tube through sniffling, sneezing, or incorrectly blowing your nose. Otitis can cause excruciating shooting pain in the ears, and occasionally the ears will discharge pus or blood. The mercury rises. Hearing function declines, headaches occur, dizziness may occur, and there is a sensation of noise in the ears.

Otitis media may not always be acute; it can also be chronic. And in this particular instance, it is extremely important to pay attention to the details provided in this article.

Psychosomatic causes

Psychosomatic medicine examines diseases of the hearing organs from the perspectives of mental and psychological factors that contribute to the disease’s development in addition to the anatomy and physiology of the disease. A person can obtain sound information thanks to their hearing organs. You can hear other people, the sounds of nature, and music with their assistance.

When someone has hearing issues, it usually indicates that there is something they are adamantly not interested in hearing. In adults and adolescents, criticism is typically directed towards the self. As a result, those who find it difficult to hear remarks that hurt them are more likely than others to experience otitis media. They may even develop sensorineural hearing loss, which is the total or partial loss of hearing.

Children’s otitis is linked to various factors, most frequently accurate information that provides the child with specific experiences. These can include yelling and harsh comments, family disputes and scandals.

The infant does the only thing he can do, which is to isolate himself from the sound information that is traumatizing his mind, since he has no idea how to stop it or the strength to resist it. Prerequisites for inflammation and hearing loss are established at the subconscious level.

An adult or child’s level of irritation will determine how strong the inflammatory process is. In an effort to divert their parents from arguments and make them deal with their problems, kids will also attempt to get their attention when they are sick. Psychotherapists arrived at these conclusions following a review of case histories and testing of a sizable cohort of patients with recurrent otitis media of various ages.

Which ear is inflamed is a crucial factor in psychosomatic diagnosis because otitis is typically unilateral, with rare instances involving both ears.

The right ear is thought to represent the ability to connect to auditory information from the outside world. In children and adults who prefer not to hear external sounds, the right ear is prone to illness. Consider what the other person specifically does not want to hear in their own arguments if your left ear is hurting.

Sometimes a person has ideas that just must be carried out, but they blatantly refuse to listen to themselves.

For instance, your gut tells you that you are unable to take a vacation, but your paid-for travel package "says" otherwise. As a result, left ear otitis occurs in particularly sensitive individuals. This is the manner in which the body continually alerts the conscious mind to dangers.

When a child is more interested in painting and sculpture than in studying music or attending a specific sports school, their parents may put pressure on them to develop a left ear inflammation. In this situation, the child will follow his parents’ insistence and ignore his inner voice, which will beg him to follow his calling.

Alternative view

Even ENT physicians frequently state that a history of extreme stress may contribute to an exacerbation of otitis. However, how is this even possible? Simply put, a stressful situation makes people who are naturally reserved and shy even more tense and prone to muscle spasms at the cellular level. The muscles in the neck and mouth tighten. This results in modifications to the adjacent inner and middle ears, which are felt as ringing, pain, and noise in the ears.

This is a common image of otitis neurogenica. Children that grind their teeth at night due to bruxism typically experience tense jaw muscles from chewing, and stress exacerbates spasms.

Psychosomatics takes into account multiple perspectives on diseases of the hearing organs for good reason—children frequently have multiple predisposing factors at the same time, and this is crucial to helping the patient permanently overcome excruciating ear pain and hearing loss.

Age Group Psychosomatic Causes
Children Otitis in children often reflects emotional distress, feeling unheard, or tension in the family environment.
Adults In adults, otitis may be linked to unexpressed emotions, avoiding communication, or stress due to unresolved conflicts.

Recognizing the psychosomatic components of otitis in adults and children emphasizes the close relationship between mental and physical health. Ear infections can be a symptom of stress, unresolved emotions, or internal conflicts, indicating that the body needs to address emotional problems.

You can encourage more holistic healing by addressing these underlying emotional causes in addition to standard treatments. Recurrent episodes of otitis can be significantly reduced by implementing strategies like open communication, stress management, and environment creation.

Generally, managing and preventing psychosomatic conditions like otitis depends on taking good care of one’s physical and emotional health. Early detection of the symptoms can improve outcomes for kids and adults alike.

The relationship between emotional stress and recurrent ear infections is examined by psychosomatics of otitis in children and adults. It is suggested that emotions such as frustration, anger, or difficulty expressing oneself may materialize as physical symptoms in the ears. In addition to medical care, addressing these emotional triggers can aid in healing and help avert further otitis episodes.

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Svetlana Kozlova

Family consultant and family relationship specialist. I help parents build trusting relationships with their children and each other. I believe that a healthy atmosphere in the home is the key to happiness and harmony, which I share in articles and recommendations.

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