What is swimmer’s ear and how does it develop. What are the main symptoms of swimmer’s ear. How can swimmer’s ear be effectively treated and prevented.

Understanding Swimmer’s Ear: An Overview of Otitis Externa

Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection that affects the ear canal – the tubular passage connecting the outer ear to the eardrum. This condition can be caused by various types of bacteria or fungi and often results from prolonged exposure to moisture, especially in aquatic environments.

While the name suggests it primarily affects swimmers, anyone can develop this condition under certain circumstances. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for proper management and prevention.

The Science Behind Swimmer’s Ear: How Does It Develop?

Swimmer’s ear typically occurs when water remains in the ear canal for extended periods, creating a moist environment ideal for bacterial or fungal growth. This moisture can come from various sources:

• Swimming or diving in pools, lakes, or oceans
• Frequent showering or bathing
• High humidity levels
• Sweating during intense physical activities

Is swimming the only cause of otitis externa. No, contrary to its name, swimmer’s ear can develop in non-swimmers too. Injuries to the ear canal, often from improper cleaning methods, can create entry points for bacteria. Using cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to clean ears can scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal, making it susceptible to infection.

The Role of Ear Wax in Swimmer’s Ear

Ironically, while many people clean their ears to prevent infection, this action can actually increase the risk of swimmer’s ear. Ear wax, or cerumen, plays a protective role by:

• Creating a water-resistant barrier
• Possessing antimicrobial properties
• Maintaining the ear canal’s slightly acidic pH, which inhibits bacterial growth

Excessive cleaning can remove this natural defense mechanism, leaving the ear more vulnerable to infection.

Recognizing the Symptoms: When to Suspect Swimmer’s Ear

Identifying swimmer’s ear early can lead to faster treatment and relief. The primary symptoms include:

• Ear pain, often severe and worsening when the outer ear is touched or moved
• Itching inside the ear canal
• Redness and swelling of the outer ear
• Drainage of clear, odorless fluid
• Muffled or decreased hearing

Can swimmer’s ear cause fever. While not common in mild cases, severe infections may lead to fever, especially if the infection spreads beyond the ear canal. Additionally, lymph nodes around the ear may become swollen and tender.

The Progression of Symptoms

Swimmer’s ear symptoms often progress in stages:

1. Mild: Itching, slight redness, mild discomfort, and some drainage
2. Moderate: Increased pain, more pronounced itching, and excessive fluid drainage
3. Advanced: Severe pain radiating to face or neck, fever, swelling of outer ear, and potential hearing loss

Diagnosing Swimmer’s Ear: What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

When you visit a healthcare provider with suspected swimmer’s ear, they will likely perform the following:

• Visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope
• Gentle manipulation of the outer ear to assess pain levels
• Review of medical history, including recent water exposure or ear trauma
• In some cases, a sample of ear drainage for laboratory analysis

Do all ear infections require professional diagnosis. While mild cases might resolve on their own, it’s advisable to seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms to prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Treatment Approaches: Combating Swimmer’s Ear Effectively

The treatment for swimmer’s ear typically involves addressing both the infection and the symptoms. Common approaches include:

1. Topical Medications

Ear drops are often the first line of treatment, usually containing:

• Antibiotics to fight bacterial infections
• Antifungals if a fungal infection is suspected
• Steroids to reduce inflammation and itching

2. Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. For severe pain, prescription pain medication may be necessary.

3. Cleaning and Drying the Ear

In some cases, a healthcare provider may need to clean the ear canal to allow medications to work effectively. They may also recommend ways to keep the ear dry during treatment.

4. Systemic Antibiotics

For severe infections or those that spread beyond the ear canal, oral antibiotics might be prescribed.

How long does it take for swimmer’s ear to heal. With proper treatment, mild to moderate cases of swimmer’s ear typically improve within a week. However, more severe infections may take several weeks to resolve completely.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Swimmer’s Ear at Bay

Preventing swimmer’s ear is often easier than treating it. Here are some effective strategies:

• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
• Use earplugs or a swim cap when swimming
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
• Consider using alcohol-based ear drops after swimming to promote drying
• Maintain proper pH levels in swimming pools

Are there any natural remedies for preventing swimmer’s ear. While medical treatments are most effective, some people find relief using diluted white vinegar or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol as preventive ear drops. However, these should not be used if you suspect you already have an infection or have a perforated eardrum.

Swimmer’s Ear in Children: Special Considerations

Children, especially those who swim frequently, are particularly susceptible to swimmer’s ear. Parents and caregivers should be aware of:

• The importance of proper ear drying techniques after water activities
• Signs of discomfort or pain that children might not articulate clearly
• The need for supervision when using preventive ear drops
• The potential for recurrent infections in some children

Can children use the same treatments as adults for swimmer’s ear. While many treatments are similar, dosages and specific medications may differ. Always consult a pediatrician for appropriate treatment plans for children.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While many cases of swimmer’s ear can be managed at home or with over-the-counter treatments, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain or pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Swelling or redness that extends beyond the ear
• Discharge of pus or blood from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Dizziness or vertigo

These symptoms could indicate a more severe infection or complications that require prompt professional evaluation and treatment.

Potential Complications of Untreated Swimmer’s Ear

If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can lead to more serious conditions, including:

• Temporary hearing loss
• Chronic otitis externa (long-term inflammation)
• Bone and cartilage damage (in severe cases)
• Spread of infection to surrounding tissues

Can swimmer’s ear cause permanent hearing loss. While rare, severe or chronic cases of swimmer’s ear that go untreated can potentially lead to permanent hearing damage, underscoring the importance of proper and timely treatment.

The Impact of Swimmer’s Ear on Daily Life

Beyond the physical discomfort, swimmer’s ear can significantly impact daily activities:

• Disruption of sleep due to ear pain
• Temporary inability to participate in water activities
• Difficulty wearing headphones or earbuds
• Challenges in balance and spatial awareness
• Potential social isolation during treatment period

How can one manage the discomfort of swimmer’s ear in daily life. Aside from following prescribed treatments, using a warm compress on the affected ear, sleeping with the infected ear facing up, and avoiding irritants like hair products can help manage discomfort.

Emotional and Psychological Aspects

For individuals who regularly engage in water activities or whose professions involve frequent water exposure, recurrent swimmer’s ear can lead to:

• Anxiety about water activities
• Frustration with repeated infections
• Concerns about long-term ear health

Addressing these concerns with healthcare providers and developing effective prevention strategies can help alleviate these emotional burdens.

Swimmer’s Ear in Different Environments: Beyond the Pool

While swimming pools are a common source of swimmer’s ear, other environments can also contribute to its development:

• Natural bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers)
• Hot tubs and spas
• Humid climates
• Occupational settings (e.g., professional divers, lifeguards)

Each environment presents unique challenges and may require specific preventive measures.

The Role of Water Quality

Water quality plays a significant role in the risk of developing swimmer’s ear. Factors to consider include:

• pH levels in swimming pools
• Presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in natural water bodies
• Chemical treatments used in pools and hot tubs

Does chlorine in pools prevent swimmer’s ear. While chlorine helps control bacterial growth, it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely. In fact, the drying effect of chlorine on the ear canal can sometimes increase susceptibility to infection.

Advancements in Treatment and Prevention of Swimmer’s Ear

Research continues to improve our understanding and management of swimmer’s ear. Recent advancements include:

• Development of more effective and targeted antibiotic ear drops
• Improved diagnostic techniques for distinguishing between different types of ear infections
• Innovative ear plug designs for swimmers
• Research into probiotic treatments to maintain healthy ear canal flora

These advancements aim to provide more effective treatments and prevention strategies, potentially reducing the incidence and severity of swimmer’s ear cases in the future.

The Future of Swimmer’s Ear Management

Emerging areas of research in swimmer’s ear management include:

• Gene therapy approaches to enhance natural ear defenses
• Nanotechnology-based treatments for more precise drug delivery
• Development of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tools
• Exploration of the ear microbiome and its role in infection resistance

These cutting-edge approaches hold promise for more personalized and effective treatments in the coming years.

Living with Recurrent Swimmer’s Ear: Long-term Management Strategies

For individuals prone to frequent episodes of swimmer’s ear, long-term management strategies are crucial:

• Regular use of preventive ear drops after water exposure
• Consideration of custom-fitted ear plugs for water activities
• Maintaining proper ear hygiene without over-cleaning
• Addressing underlying conditions that may increase susceptibility (e.g., eczema, allergies)
• Regular follow-ups with an ENT specialist for monitoring and prevention

Can lifestyle changes help prevent recurrent swimmer’s ear. Yes, certain lifestyle modifications like reducing prolonged water exposure, managing stress (which can affect immune function), and maintaining overall health can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

The Importance of Patient Education

Educating patients about swimmer’s ear plays a crucial role in prevention and early intervention. Key areas of focus include:

• Proper ear cleaning techniques
• Recognition of early symptoms
• Understanding risk factors and triggers
• Importance of completing full courses of prescribed treatments

Empowering patients with this knowledge can lead to better outcomes and reduced incidence of chronic or severe cases.

Otalgia Ear Ache or Ear Pain

What is otalgia?

Otalgia is the medical word for ear ache or ear pain. It may be burning, stabbing, dull, sharp, sore, full, or clogged. There are many causes that range from benign to serious. Benign causes are more common than serious ones.

What causes otalgia?

There are two categories of otalgia. Primary otalgia is caused by a problem with the ear. Referred otalgia is caused by a problem of another structure usually near the ear. Referred otalgia is much more common than primary otalgia.

What are common ear causes of otalgia?

Ear infections are the most common cause of ear pain in this category. Swimmer’s ear (infection of the ear canal) and otitis media (fluid or infection behind the ear drum) cause primary ear pain. Trauma to the ear with a cotton tipped applicator or finger nail may also cause ear pain and ear wax impaction. Dull ache or fullness may also result be experienced. Under ventilated ears (Eustachian tube dysfunction) or excess fluid in the inner ear (Meniere’s syndrome) should be considered by your doctor. Very rarely otalgia is a sign of malignancy (cancer) of the ear. Usually primary ear pain will cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo as a clue that the ear is directly involved.

What are common causes of referred otalgia?

In referred otalgia, other ear symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo are usually absent. The jaw joint and muscles are the most common cause of referred otalgia. Anxiety, stress, bruxism (grinding teeth), large bites of food, excessive yawning, nail biting, and excessive gum chewing are risk factors. Strain of the chewing muscles or sprain of the jaw joint can occur.

Neck pathology can also cause referred otalgia. Anxiety, stress, arthritis, whiplash injury, excessive office work, excessive cell phone scrolling, and neck popping are risk factors.

Gingivitis, cavities, and infected or abscessed teeth can cause referred ear pain along with dental problems.

Trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain) may cause referred ear pain along with stabbing cheek pain after light touch or wind exposure.

Cancers of the head and neck may cause referred ear pain. Throat cancer may present with ear pain associated with difficulty swallowing or hoarseness. Cancer of the salivary glands may cause ear pain, mass of the cheek/jaw/neck, or facial droop.

Where does treatment start?

With otalgia, the response to treatment can be useful to help find the culprit. Most causes are not serious. Conservative treatment is a good place to start. If you have risk factors for jaw strain/sprain, begin by resting your jaw. Maintain a soft diet for 1 week. Stop chewing gum and hard candies. Apply ice and/or heat to your jaw joint. Take ibuprofen daily for a week. Consider talking to your dentist about a bite guard to wear at night so that you do not grind your teeth. Also, if you have hurting teeth, you may be compensating your bite in a way that strains your jaw. Have this evaluated by your dentist as well.

If you have risk factors for neck strain take regular breaks when straining you neck. Stop habitual popping or cracking your neck. Take breaks from looking down at your cell phone. Take ibuprofen daily for a week. Consider neck physical therapy especially if you have had a whiplash injury.

If conservative measures do not work or if you have red flag symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, mass, facial droop an evaluation of your ear pain is recommended. It is important to find the cause of persistent ear pain and make sure the ear is healthy.

Swimmer’s Ear (External Otitis) (for Teens)

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal, the tubular opening that carries sounds from the outside of the body to the eardrum. It can be caused by different types of bacteria or fungi.

What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear — or otitis externa — usually develops in ears that are exposed to moisture. People who get it often have been diving or swimming a lot, which can bring germs directly into the ear canal. Swimmer’s ear often happens during the summer months, when lots of us are enjoying water activities.

People who don’t swim can also develop it by scratching their ear canals when they try to clean their ears. This is especially true if they use cotton swabs or dangerously sharp small objects, like hair clips or bobby pins.

Sometimes, in a person with a middle ear infection (otitis media), pus collected in the middle ear can drain into the ear canal through a hole in the eardrum, causing otitis externa.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?

The main sign is severe ear pain that gets worse when the outside part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. Sometimes there is itching in the ear canal before the pain begins.

The outer ear might get red or swollen. Lymph nodes around the ear may get enlarged and tender. Sometimes, there’s a greenish-yellow discharge of pus from the ear opening. It can be hard to hear in the affected ear if pus or swelling of the canal begins to block passage of sound into the ear.

How Long Does Swimmer’s Ear Last?

Prescription ear drops usually cure swimmer’s ear in 7–10 days. The pain should ease within a few days of starting treatment.

External otitis is not contagious, so you don’t have to limit your contact with friends as long as you’re feeling well enough to socialize.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor if you have any of these problems:

• pain in an ear with or without fever
• long-lasting itching of the ear or in the ear canal
• loss of hearing or decreased hearing in one or both ears
• discharge from an ear, especially if it’s thick, discolored, bloody, or bad-smelling

Getting treatment is the fastest way to relieve the ear pain and stop the infection.

How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?

How doctors treat swimmer’s ear depends on how severe the pain and infection are. For most outer ear infections, they prescribe ear drops containing antibiotics possibly mixed with medicine to help ease swelling. These will fight the infection and help with pain. Ear drops typically are used several times a day for 7–10 days.

If swelling narrows the opening into the ear, the doctor may clean the ear and insert a sponge called a wick into the ear canal. It will carry ear drops into the ear more effectively. If you have a severe infection, you might also get antibiotic liquid or pills to swallow. Your doctor may send some of the fluid draining from your ear to a lab to find out which germ is causing the infection.

What Can I Do to Feel Better?

At home, follow your doctor’s directions for using ear drops and take all doses of antibiotic medicine as prescribed. Keep taking these for all days of treatment, even if you start to feel better. If you stop too soon, the infection could come back.

You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for ear pain. If they don’t help, let your doctor know. You’ll only need pain medicine for a day or two — until the ear drops and antibiotics begin to work.

To protect your ear while it heals, your doctor will probably tell you to keep your ears dry for several days or weeks — even while showering or shampooing! This can be tough, but your doctor can give you suggestions on how to do this, such as using a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly as an earplug.

Can Swimmer’s Ear Be Prevented?

You may be able to prevent swimmer’s ear by using over-the-counter acetic acid drops after you’ve finished swimming for the day. But don’t use these drops if you have ear tubes or a hole in your eardrum. Dry your ears well with a clean towel after swimming, bathing, or showering. You also can use a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry the inside of the ears.

Keep all objects out of your ear canals — including cotton swabs — unless your doctor has told you it’s OK to use them.

Outer Ear Infections

Ear infections are common and represent a significant proportion of a family doctor’s work. Fortunately, the majority of infections settle without ill effects whether the problem is in the outer, middle or inner ear, although sometimes longer term problems can arise.

The ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle and inner (see diagram). Infection in each part will give rise to certain patterns of symptoms and the type of symptoms which may occur with ear infections include:

• pain or earache
• discharge which may be blood-stained or smelly
• deafness
• dizziness
• noises (tinnitus)

The only sign of an ear infection in young children may simply be a fever and some tugging of the ear by the child.

Dependent on which features are predominant, it is possible to identify the infection as arising within one of the three parts of the ear.

Outer                                    Middle                                        Inner

Drawings by S Blatrix, adapted with permission from ‘Promenade around the cochlea’.  This is an excellent site for explaining in detail how the ear works.

Outer ear infections (otitis externa)

This is an infection of the skin of the ear canal and very common. It can be extremely painful so that sleep may be impossible. Generally, outer ear infections are caused by a bacterial infection of the skin of the canal, although occasionally it may be due to a fungus or yeast.

The skin can become so swollen that the ear canal closes, causing temporary deafness, and there can be a scanty discharge from the ear. It occurs commonly in people who suffer from skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis but also in people with narrow ear canals or who swim a great deal.

It can affect both ears and often keeps recurring, especially if you are otherwise rundown or stressed. Not surprisingly, such symptoms usually mean that you will need to consult your doctor in order to receive effective treatment.

Treatment for outer ear infections is generally in the form of antibiotic ear drops which are instilled into the ear canal for at least a week. Sometimes antibiotics by mouth will also be necessary. In severe cases referral to an ear nose and throat specialist is both necessary and appropriate for cleaning of the ear canal and more intensive treatment.

 Eczema of the ear canal and pinna      Ear discharge in otitis externa

By D Bowdler and R Lloyd Faulconbridge, University Hospital Lewisham

Disclaimer: The details in this section are for general information only. ENT UK can not assist in providing further information on the content below or booking appointments. Always check with your own doctor.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Treatment, Definition & Causes

Overview

What is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)?

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare condition that can cause sharp, stabbing, or shooting pain in the throat area near the tonsils, the back of the tongue or the middle ear.

The pain occurs along the pathway of the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is located deep in the neck. It serves the back of the tongue, throat and the parotid gland (one of the salivary glands), the middle ear and eustachian tube.

Painful episodes are usually intermittent, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. The pain might recur several times in a day. In other cases it might not come back for several weeks or months.

Certain activities may trigger painful episodes, including:

• Drinking cold liquids
• Chewing
• Swallowing
• Sneezing or coughing
• Clearing the throat
• Touching the gums

Sometimes people with this condition may avoid eating, drinking or chewing because they fear that these activities may trigger a painful attack. Over time, this can result in weight loss.

Generally, only one side of the head is affected by GPN. The glossopharyngeal nerve has several branches, including the tympanic branch that receives sensations from the middle ear and mastoid.

Another important branch is the carotid sinus nerve that serves the carotid body and carotid sinus (widening of a carotid artery at the main branch point). Painful attacks may result in life-threatening symptoms, such as fainting (syncope), slow heartbeat (bradycardia) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). In very rare cases, cardiac arrest may occur with no painful episodes.

How common is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)?

The disorder is rare, with less than 1 case reported per year among 100,000 people in the United States. It tends to occur more often in adults over age 40, but it may be present at any age. It appears to affect men more than women.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN)?

Often there is no apparent cause for the condition. Compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve by a blood vessel near the brainstem may irritate the nerve and cause pain. In other cases, an elongated styloid process (a bone in the neck near the nerve) can cause pain. This condition is called Eagle syndrome.

Trauma due to an injury or a surgical procedure may also result in glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Other possible causes include infections, tumors and vascular abnormalities. Patients with multiple sclerosis may experience glossopharyngeal neuralgia as a result of the breakdown of the myelin sheath, the fatty membrane that surrounds and insulates the nerve.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) diagnosed?

The location of the pain is important in the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia, since other conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, may produce similar symptoms. There is no single diagnostic test that can confirm that GPN is present. An ear, nose and throat physician will perform an examination to rule out other disorders. The physician may stimulate certain areas, such as the tonsils or back of the tongue, to see if pain occurs.

The doctor will ask whether certain activities, such as talking or chewing, trigger pain. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan may be ordered to determine whether a tumor or blood vessel is compressing the nerve.

Management and Treatment

How is glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) treated?

In most situations, anticonvulsant drugs are the first line of treatment. If drug therapy is not effective or if a patient has troublesome side effects from the medication, surgery is considered.

Medications

• Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, gabapentin, pregabalin, and other antiseizure medications are often prescribed for GPN.
• Antidepressants: Amitriptyline and other antidepressant drugs are sometimes prescribed for use along with anticonvulsants to treat individuals who become depressed due to debilitating pain.
• Anesthetics: Local anesthetics may be injected to block the nerve or applied topically to areas where pain occurs (for example, the back of the throat).

Surgery

Several surgical procedures may be options in alleviating the pain associated with GPN. The most common of these is microvascular decompression as explained below. If a tumor is found compressing the nerve or if Eagle syndrome is diagnosed (elongated styloid compressing the nerve), then a different type of surgery may be warranted.

• Microvascular decompression: This procedure is the most common surgical technique for treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia. It is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision and a small opening in the bone behind the ear on the side of the head where pain occurs. He or she will use a microscope and/or an endoscope to view the nerve and search for any blood vessels compressing the nerve. The nerve and artery are separated and a small permanent Teflon sponge will be placed between the nerve and the vessel that is compressing the nerve. After the procedure is performed, the surgeon will replace the bone and close the incision. Microvascular decompression has the highest initial and long-term success rate. It is effective in about 90% of cases and yields a lower rate of pain recurrence. However, if a patient cannot have microvascular decompression surgery due to other medical conditions, a less invasive procedure may be used.
• Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GK or SRS): While this has been used much more commonly in trigeminal neuralgia (similar disorder of a different nerve), it has been used in a small number of cases of difficult-to-treat glossopharyngeal neuralgia. A frame is placed on the head and MRI/CT pictures are taken. The treatment is performed by a neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist working together. The glossopharyngeal nerve is targeted using highly precise software and a high dose of focused radiation is delivered onto the nerve to cause partial injury. While this can provide pain relief, it can cause partial numbness in the back of the throat.

Your Ears May Reveal Clues About Your Health | LeMay Hearing & Balance

Want to dazzle your friends in Reno with clues about their physical health or self-diagnose yourself without consulting Dr. Google? Look no further than the ears! They often provide a surprising amount of information regarding what’s going on inside a person’s body.

What the Ears Reveal

The ears aren’t only conduits for sound; they can provide telling clues about a person’s overall health. The following indicators are especially reveling:

• Creased earlobes. A horizontal crease across the middle of the earlobe is called Frank’s sign and may indicate the presence of coronary heart disease. It occurs when tissue around the blood vessels of the ears and heart breaks down. A diagonal line alone isn’t enough to make a diagnosis, but if you are displaying symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, make an appointment with a Reno health professional ASAP.

• Hearing loss. Not all signs of underlying health problems are physical. Hearing loss can cause a number of physical, social and psychological health problems, especially if untreated. Johns Hopkins researchers found that people with moderate hearing loss are three times more likely to experience dementia compared to those with normal hearing. Other complications include memory loss, social withdrawal, depression, diabetes and kidney disease.
• Single-sided deafness. People with hearing loss confined to one ear might have an infection or fluid in the inner ear or a benign tumor called an acoustic neuroma. While it’s noncancerous, it may eventually grow large enough to press against the auditory nerve, causing single-sided deafness. Other symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus and facial drooping or weakness.
• Tinnitus. A ringing sensation in the ears is often a sign of an underlying health issue. There are many possible causes of tinnitus including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hormonal changes, Meniere’s disease and tumors. Those in Reno whose tinnitus is particularly bothersome might experience stress, anxiety and insomnia.
• Itchy ears. Itchiness in the ears is often a sign of eczema or fungus. White flakes and a red ear canal often accompany the former condition, while a white discharge might occur when you have a fungal infection. Any itchiness lasting longer than a couple of days should be evaluated by a Reno hearing professional.
• Earache. Children frequently experience earaches in association with infection due to their still-maturing anatomy, but the condition is rarer in adults. An earache may be “referred pain” from a toothache, TMJ disorder, cellulitis, tumor or sore throat. Frequent or persistent earaches should be checked out by a Reno audiologist.
• Wet, sticky earwax. There’s nothing unusual about earwax, but if the consistency is wet and sticky, your odds of breast cancer might be higher. This texture often occurs in response to a mutation on the ABCC11 gene. If you experience wet, sticky earwax – especially if there’s a family history of breast cancer – you should schedule a medical checkup.
• Red ears. Obviously, your ears are going to be red if you’ve spent too much time in the sun or have just done something embarrassing, but if neither of these things have occurred, you may be experiencing something more serious. Red ears can be signs of hormonal changes caused by menopause or a sign Red Ear Syndrome, a disorder that causes a burning sensation in the ears and may trigger migraines and cluster headaches.
• Numbness. Numbness that occurs with symptoms such as facial drooping, limb weakness or speaking difficulties may indicate a stroke. If it’s accompanied by vertigo, hearing loss or tinnitus, you might have an inner ear disorder called Meniere’s disease. Numbness and a tingling sensation that extends to other extremities, such as the hands and feet, is often associated with peripheral neuropathy, a common symptom of diabetes.
• Structural abnormalities and skin tags. Unusually-shaped ears that have excessive skin tags – small, fleshy growths – can indicate the presence of kidney disease.

Keep in mind that none of these symptoms offer irrefutable proof of an underlying disease, so approaching a stranger with red ears at a cocktail party and saying, “How’s your menopause coming along?” is a bad idea for a lot of reasons. Still, symptoms such as these are worth noting and, if accompanied by other signs, warrant a talk with your Reno audiologist.

Call LeMay Hearing & Balance at (775) 323-5566 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Tips for Using Ear Drops Correctly

If you have some water in your ears after swimming or have an ear full of wax, you may have reached for ear drops. They have many uses, including treating ear infections, such as swimmer’s ear, excessive ear wax (AKA cerumen) and ear pain. And you can get them over the counter (OTC) or by prescription.

But before you go dripping drops in your ear, there’s a few things you should know. We spoke with Heather Coffman, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, to share important information regarding different types of drops and tips for how best to use them.

Is it safe to use ear drops?

Whether for ear wax, ear pain, tinnitus or swimmer’s ear, ear drops are generally safe, but take note.

“Ear drops are safe as long as your eardrum is intact,” Dr. Coffman said. When there is a perforation in the eardrum, drops can get into the middle ear. In this case, drops with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can be painful. Some types of prescribed antibiotic drops, such as gentamicin, neomycin or Cortisporin, can damage the ear.

“It’s best if you ask your healthcare provider if the medicine is safe if you have a perforation,” Dr. Coffman said. “Additionally, if the drops are causing significant pain, seek medical care from your primary care provider or an ear, nose and throat specialist.”

Safe treatment options

For ear wax

Ear wax isn’t necessarily a bad thing, in fact it protects the ear canal. However, for some, it can be a nuisance and excess wax can lead to hearing loss, discomfort and rarely infections. To remove ear wax build-up, Dr. Coffman recommends the following methods:

• Hydrogen peroxide-based products like Debrox and Murine, which also contain glycerin.
• Mineral oil to help soften hard wax and help with itchy ears
• Wax irritation kits, but use these with caution, Dr. Coffman said.
• “They can cause eardrum perforations and may lead to infection if water gets trapped behind the wax,” she said. “I never recommend water irrigation for diabetic patients due to the risk for severe infection.”
• Removal by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

You’ve likely heard the saying, “Don’t stick anything in your ear smaller than your elbow,” and it’s for good reason. Dig around with things that don’t belong in there, and you’ll put yourself at risk. Dr. Coffman recommends steering clear of cotton swabs, paper clips, bobby pins and using ear candling to remove unwanted ear wax.

For ear pain

Ear pain might be from an ear infection, an ear injury or poorly fit hearing aids. Typically, ear wax does not cause ear pain. However, frequently ear pain is referred pain from another location such as the throat or the jaw joint. Drops used to numb the ear canal are not recommended. “Drops for ear pain often contain benzocaine, and typically are not effective and have not been FDA-approved,” Dr. Coffman said.

For ear infections

To prevent infection, you can use swimmer’s ear drops containing rubbing alcohol to help dry out the ear canal or a combination of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar (mixed half and half). Use caution, however, because these can be painful in a red and swollen ear.

To relieve ear infections and decrease ear pain, your provider may prescribe antibiotic ear drops.

Tips for using ear drops correctly

The following instructions can help you put ear drops in your ears. If you’re having trouble putting them into your own ears, ask someone to help you.

• Warm the ear drop bottle in your hands. Any ear drops that are cold (or too warm) can cause dizziness when placed in the ear canal.
• Lie down with your affected ear facing up.
• Gently pull your ear back to help straighten the ear canal.
• Hold the dropper over the ear and squeeze out recommended drops (typically 4 to 5 drops of antibiotics per dose).
• Massage the tragus (the piece of skin that sticks out just in front of the ear canal like an open trapdoor). This will close and open the ear canal and force the drops down the ear canal.
• Continue to lie on your side for a couple minutes to allow the drops to reach the eardrum at the base of the ear canal.
• Sit up and let any excess drops drain out.
• Repeat in the other ear, if needed.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

If your ear is hurting, ear drops are causing you significant pain, you have trouble hearing or are experiencing other symptoms, such as dizziness or ringing, contact your healthcare provider or an ear, nose and throat specialist. To find a Banner Health specialist, visit bannerhealth.com.

Got more questions? We’re all ears.

Here are some additional topics you may be interested in:

Ear, Nose and Throat
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Ear Pain & Damage from Q Tip Cotton Swabs in Draper, UT? What to Use to Clean Ears Instead: ENT Specialists: ENTs

Earwax’s purpose is to keep your ear canal clean. Most earwax (cerumen) is beneficial, though excessive, hard, or obstructive earwax can prove to be problematic. For the sensitive skin of the ear canal, the ear was is a normal protective coating. Water is repelled from the ear wax coating and it helps deter ear infections. Earwax provides some antibacterial and lubricating advantages in addition to keeping dust, dirt, and debris away from the eardrum. Generally, the ears are self-cleaning. Motions with the jaw, such as chewing, talking, and so on, helps cycle out the old ear wax. Digging in your ear with a Q-tip actually leaves you vulnerable and we at ENT Specialists would like to continue to elaborate on using cotton swabs in your ears.

Excessive Use of Q-Tips

The more frequently the ears are rubbed, the more histamine you release, making the skin irritated and inflamed. The ear also becomes drier since the earwax acts a natural lubricant, promoting the use of further swabbing to find relief.

Dangers of Cotton Swabs in Ears

Though it initially seems like a good idea, people commonly reach for the Q-tips to clean the wax out their ears. Functioning to moisturize the skin and help prevent foreign bodies from entering deeper into the ear canal, the outer one-third to one-half of the ear canal produces cerumen, or earwax. It’s normal for cerumen to drain very slowly out of the ear due to the hairs and the natural growth of canal skin. During the activity of cotton swabbing the ears, people may get a portion of wax out, but often push some back deeper into the medial canal, which is not well-equipped to remove it. The impaction from pushing the wax against the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, can impair hearing, lead to painful and challenging to eliminate ear infections. Also, water can get trapped in the self-created wax dams, making your ears feel uncomfortable. Eardrums are very delicate and using a Q-tip can easily puncture it. If the puncture is deep enough, you can potentially press on the little bones of hearing underneath. As the tiniest bones in the body, these bones attached to the ear drum can cause hearing and balance problems.

What to Use to Clean Ears Instead of Q Tips

Where some people build up excessive earwax, or you feel they need to be cleaned, apply the following steps to carefully clean your ear canal. Keep in mind, these steps should only be used as long as you do not have any tubes or holes in the eardrum.
1) Ear wax softening. Twice a day for no more than four to five day, use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in the year.
2) Warm water in ears. When the wax is softened, after a day or two, gently squirt warm (body temperature) water into your ear canal with a rubber-bulb syringe. To straighten your ear canal, tilt your head and pull your outer ear up and back. Tip your head to the side to let the water drain out after you finished irrigating.
3) Dry the ear canal. Using a towel, gently dab your outer ear to dry it off.

Ear, Hearing & Balance Audiology Services

Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this wax softening and irrigation procedure several times before the excess earwax is cleared out. The softening can also cause wax to fall and become lodged deeper into the ear canal or against the ear drum. If symptoms do not improve, see a doctor. Other methods include earwax removal kits available in stores. If you believe you have a compaction of earwax or fear there has been potential damage, call ENT Specialists and our medical staff will assist you.

90,000 Pain in vuhe – causes, diseases, diagnosis, prevention and treatment – Likar24

Ear pains usually occur in children, but also occur in adults. Ear pain can affect one or both ears. The pain can be constant or short-term, dull, sharp or burning. If there is an ear infection, fever and temporary hearing loss may occur.

Along with ear pain, symptoms may occur: hearing impairment, fluid draining from the ear, fever, sleep problems, twitching or pulling to the ear, headache, loss of appetite, loss of balance.

Earwax blockages

The ear gets rid of earwax all the time. When the process doesn’t work well, the earwax builds up and hardens so that the ear canal becomes blocked. Do not use cotton swabs or other objects to pull out the wax. This will lead to further advancement further into the ear canal.

Air pressure

Most of the time, the ears maintain equal pressure on both sides of the eardrum. But rapid changes, such as when flying in an airplane or in an elevator, can throw off balance.

Infection from water

If your ear hurts when you pull on your earlobe or press on the tiny piece that covers it, you probably have an external ear infection. This happens when water gets into the ear canal and germs begin to multiply. The ear may be red, swollen, or itchy, and pus may leak out.

Middle ear infection

A cold, allergy, or sinus infection may block the tubes of the middle ear.When fluid builds up and becomes infected, it is called otitis media. This is the most common cause of ear pain.

Other reasons

You may feel ear pain even when the cause is not an ear infection, but, for example, a toothache. This is because the nerves in the face and neck run very close to the inner ear.

If you have a sore throat, it could be an infection such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis. In fact, ear pain is often the worst symptom of one of these conditions.

Dental abscesses, cavities and affected molars can also cause ear pain.

The temporomandibular joint is the “hinge” of the jaw that sits under the ears. Ear or face pain occurs after you chew, talk, or yawn.

Some causes of ear pain can be serious, such as tumors or infections, including cellulitis or shingles. If your ear pain is severe, does not go away within a few days after home treatment, you have a high fever, sore throat, or a new rash, see your doctor right away.

To establish a preliminary diagnosis, the doctor will probably ask you the following questions:

• What is the nature of the pain?
• Is the pain persistent or short-term?
• Are there any associated symptoms such as fever, hearing loss, balance problems or dizziness, ear drainage, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
• Have you been sick recently?
• Or were you experiencing some kind of trauma to your face or ears?

After polling, the following diagnostic methods will be used:

Medical examination

During a physical examination, the doctor will use an otoscope to examine the outer ear, ear canal, and eardrum. Also examines the nose, mouth, and sinuses. The doctor may press on the temporomandibular joint, look at your posterior molars to check for signs of grinding or frequent compression of your teeth, and look in your neck to look for enlarged lymph nodes or other growths. It is important that on examination, the otolaryngologist can perform a non-surgical procedure called nasal endoscopy. An endoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light that allows you to better see your nose, sinuses, and the top of your throat (where the opening of the Eustachian tube is).

Finally, if you experience hearing loss and dizziness, your doctor may refer you for a vestibular function test.

Visualization

Tomography is sometimes necessary to diagnose ear pain. For example, an x-ray can be used to evaluate a dental problem or to examine the jaw. Computed tomography (CT) may be needed if mastoiditis is suspected, especially if the person has disturbing complications of mastoiditis, such as a cranial nerve deficiency or signs of meningitis.

CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be ordered if the doctor suspects a possible tumor, such as nasopharyngeal cancer or cholesteatoma, as a source of ear pain.

Brain MRI can be used to assess the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, as conditions of the central nervous system, such as a brain tumor or multiple sclerosis, can mimic the symptoms of Ménière’s disease.

Blood test

Blood tests can be used to diagnose various conditions of ear pain.For example, if a doctor suspects a severe infection, especially mastoiditis, he may ask for a white blood cell count and tests for a marker of inflammation, namely erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Blood tests can also be used to rule out problems such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and syphilis, which can have symptoms similar to Meniere’s.

Common causes of ear pain include the following:

• ear infections;
• ear wax build-up;
• acute pharyngitis;
• sinus infection;

Less common causes of pain:

• temporomandibular joint syndrome;
• perforated tympanic membrane;
• arthritis affecting the jaw;
• tooth is infected;
• eczema in the ear canal;
• trigeminal neuralgia or chronic facial nerve pain.

If the ear pain lasts for a long period, you should contact an otolaryngologist who, using diagnostic methods and physical examination, will be able to establish a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

You should see a doctor immediately if you have severe pain that suddenly stops. This could be a sign of a ruptured eardrum.

Other symptoms should also be monitored. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• severe ear pain;
• dizziness;
• severe headache;
• swelling around the ear;
• prolapse of the facial muscles;
• Blood or pus draining from the ear

Some ear pains can be prevented.Try these preventative measures:

• Avoid smoking and inhalation of tobacco smoke;
• Store foreign objects outside the ear;
• Dry your ears after bathing;

90,047 people with ear pain should avoid loud music, concerts and environmental noise. If you cannot avoid loud noise, it is worth getting headphones,

• isolate noise;
• If you are swimming, use ear plugs and a bathing cap;

Ear pain is not only unpleasant, but often distracts from everyday life.The good news is that most diagnoses are treatable, especially if treated immediately.

90,000 Ear pain in adults, causes and symptoms. Treatment in Chelyabinsk

The weather makes us happy with sunny days, and it seems that it is already warm outside, and I just want to take off my hat.

But few people think that the temperature on the street is not yet high enough to take off the hat, and the resulting hypothermia can negatively affect the state of health.After walking without a hat in this weather, you can easily get severe ear pain.
It can be

• sharp
• blunt
• stinging
• of varying degrees of intensity.

And many in such cases prefer self-medication, begin to use “grandmother’s” methods, warm up their ears and drink pills. However, hypothermia may not always be the cause of ear pain. Other illnesses can also cause ear pain. A person can treat ordinary hypothermia, but in the end it will be found that it is necessary to fight with a completely different disease.

And do not forget that untreated ear pain can lead to serious consequences – otitis media, scarring of the eardrum, hearing loss and even mastoiditis (infection of the temporal bone). Therefore, if you have ear pain, you should see your doctor for the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.