How To Take Care Of Your Ears

Ear problem

Ear problem can be disastrous if neglected and not taken care of properly. Ear problems are common. The treatment for different types of ear problem might varies. Common ear problem include:

Mastoiditis. This is an infection of the bone at the back of the ear

Otitis media. An infection of the middle ear.

Otitis externa. Infection of the outer ear, ear canal and the skin around the outer ear.

Infection and problems of the ear drum.

Pains and tenderness of the jaw joint caused by temporomandibular joint syndrome.

Blockage of Eustachian tube as a result of cold or flu.

Pimple in the ear as a result of mild infection.

Wax or fluid buildup in the ear canal.

Otosclerosis. Formation of a bone in the ear. This prevents the tiny bones from vibrating thereby causing hearing loss.

Symptoms of ear problems include: swelling of the ear, pain inside the ear, pain on the earlobe when pulled, ringing sensation in the ear, redness of the outer ear, pimple in the ear canal, difficulty in hearing, pus drain from the ear.

Causes

Swimming, Common cold, bacterial infection {most common cause of ear ache due to respiratory tract infection), air rushing into the ear. Bacterial infection can lead to middle ear inflammation. This infection can result to glue ear if not treated. This is a chronic form of the infection. A sticky fluid fills the middle ear. A pressure may build inside the ear drum, which might cause the ear drum to rupture. A rupture may not be serious but multiple ruptures may cause hearing loss. The ear may get muffled when the fluid gets filled up. It takes 2 to 3 days before the body absorbs the fluid. Hearing returns to normalcy when the fluid is absorbed. Infection, dermatitis, eczema, or presence of foreign body can cause inflammation. Ear infection is not always the root cause of earache among kids. It may be as a result of sore throat, runny nose, earwax, air pressure changes, common cold, and fluid buildup without infection.

Treatment

Some simple treatments are used in treating minor ear problems.  Consult a doctor when you have symptoms like: pain, redness, swelling, and irritation in the ear. Some of the treatments include:

·         While sleeping keep the affected ear up.

·         Take pain relief drugs (ibuprofen).

·         Use ear drops.

·         Heat pads and warm cloth application.

To avoid ear problems:

·         Don’t swim in an unhygienic water.

·         Before diving in water use a cap to cover your ears.

·         Always dry your ears after taking your bath.

·         Allow a thin layer of wax to shield dust particles and insects from entering your ears.

·         Always clean the ears properly to avoid hard deposits of wax.