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 disrupt lifestyle, and exposure to loud noise can also damage hearing. As well as infections, dermatitis can occur in the ears as a result of reactions to topical medicines, wearing jewellery, cosmetics or methacrylate ear plugs.

Common ear problems

Otitis media: inflammation of the middle ear which causes a build up of fluid, with or without an infection. !f there is an infection, it is often "iral. #any children will ha"e se"eral bouts of otitis media before they are $ years old. %ymptoms include crying, ear pulling, mild fe"er and irritability. &lue ear: a type of chronic otitis media. A long term build up of thic' or stic'y fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum causes hearing loss. This can ma'e socialising and learning difficult, especially if hearing loss is not recognised in early childhood.

(ar wax: protects the ear and is normal. )owe"er, a build up of wax may be a problem in some adults, and may re*uire wax softening ear drops. %ometimes the ears may also need to be syringed clean by a doctor. !mpacted ear wax rarely causes an ear discharge or pain, but it may cause hearing impairment. %wimmer+s ear: de"elops when humidity, heat and moisture cause the s'in layer inside the ear to swell. The addition of further water, for example, through swimming, ma'es the s'in lining the ear canal e"en softer and liable to infection. Attempts to remo"e the water with cotton buds or other objects may ma'e the condition worse, causing pain and itching.

Preventing ear problems

%elf management of ear problems, particularly earache and ear discharge, is not recommended. )owe"er, the following tips may help pre"ent ear problems. ,o not use cotton buds or other de"ices for cleaning your ears. -epeated attempts to remo"e earwax with a cotton bud or similar object may result in the wax becoming more deeply impacted. !f you ha"e swimmer+s ear, you should use earplugs to help pre"ent water entering your ears. !f you are wor'ing in a noisy en"ironment, including a home en"ironment, use ear protectors. .low your nose correctly. ,o not s*uee/e the nose when blowing and do not sniff. !t is important that you get any hearing loss chec'ed. )earing impairment in a child is sometimes suspected if the child is inattenti"e at school, does not respond to instructions, seems to be disobedient or wants the tele"ision on loud. !f you suspect a hearing impairment in your child, they should be ta'en to see a doctor. !t is important that a doctor examines their ears, preferably using tympanometry to in"estigate ear pressure.

When should you seek medical advice?

0ou should see' medical ad"ice if you ha"e:

ear pain and1or di//iness2 pus or blood discharging from your ear2 earache and feel generally unwell, with a fe"er and malaise2

had any nec' or head trauma before the ear pain started2 hearing that is acutely impaired or gradually deteriorating2 a foreign object in your ear or suspect you might ha"e2 or 3sed a medicine for your ear and it has not impro"ed or has become itchy, as this may indicate allergic dermatitis as a result of the medicine.