Ear malady is a term used to describe any type of medical condition that affects the ears. The two most common ear maladies are OTALGIA (7 letters) and OTITIS (6 letters). OTALGIA is an earache, which is a sharp or dull pain in the ear caused by inflammation or infection. OTITIS is an inflammation of the ear, which can be caused by infection, allergies, or other irritants. Both OTALGIA and OTITIS can cause hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus. Treatment for ear maladies depends on the cause and severity of the condition.