What causes ear disorders?

A number of conditions, diseases, and structural deficiencies can cause ear disorders. Otitis media, an inflammation of the middle ear, can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Bacteria are also a common cause of external otitis, an infection of the ear canal. A disease known as Meniere's disease can cause ringing in the ears and vertigo, or dizziness. Other culprits include auditory nerve tumors or mastoiditis, a bacterial infection of a bone found near the ear. Even something as simple as impacted earwax can cause pain or affect hearing.