Ear problems
There are many different types of ear problems. For example, ear pain may be caused by infections of the tonsils, jaw or sinuses. Chronic infection, for example, glue ear, can cause hearing loss that can affect learning and lifestyle, and exposure to loud noise can also damage hearing. As well as infection, the ears can also suffer from dermatitis reactions to topical medicines, wearing jewellery, cosmetics or methacrylate ear plugs.
Common ear problems
Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear, causing a build-up of fluid, with or without an infection. If there is an infection, it is often viral. Many children will have several bouts of otitis media before they are 7 years old. Symptoms include crying, ear pulling, mild fever and irritability.
Glue ear is a type of chronic otitis media. Long term build-up of thick or ‘sticky’ fluid in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, causes hearing loss. This makes socialising and learning very difficult, especially if hearing loss is not recognised in early childhood.
Ear wax in the ear is normal and protects the ear. However, a build-up of wax may be a problem in some adults. This may require wax-softening ear drops, and sometimes the ears may also need to be syringed clean by a doctor. Impacted ear wax rarely causes an ear discharge or pain, but it may cause hearing impairment.
Swimmer’s ear develops when humidity, heat and moisture cause the skin layer inside the ear to swell. The addition of further water, for example, through swimming, makes the skin lining the ear canal even softer and liable to infection. Attempts to remove the water with cotton buds or other objects may make the condition worse, causing pain and itching.
What can you do to help?
Self-management of ear problems, particularly earache and ear discharge, is not recommended. However, the following tips may help prevent ear problems.
- Do not use cotton buds or other devices for cleaning your ears. Repeated attempts to remove earwax with a cotton bud or similar object may result in the wax becoming more deeply impacted.
- If you suffer from swimmer’s ear, you should use earplugs to help prevent water entering your ears.
- If you are working in a noisy environment, including a home environment, use ear protectors.
- Blow your nose correctly. Do not squeeze the nose when blowing and do not sniff.
It is important that you get any hearing loss checked. If you suspect hearing impairment in a child, such as inattention in school, lack of response to instructions, apparent disobedience, or wanting the television very loud, see a doctor. It is important that a doctor examines the ears, preferably using tympanometry, to investigate ear pressure.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if:- you have ear pain and/or dizziness;
- your ear is discharging pus or blood;
- you have earache and also feel generally unwell with a fever and general malaise;
- any neck or head trauma occurred before the ear pain started;
- your hearing is acutely impaired or gradually deteriorating;
- it is possible that a foreign object may be lodged in the ear; or
- a medicine has already been used for the ear and the condition has not improved, or has become itchy, as this may indicate an allergic dermatitis as a result of the medicine.
Last Reviewed: 10 August 2006
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