Our ears are incredibly complex and delicate organs responsible for collecting, processing, and sending sound signals to our brains and enabling us to hear. They also play a vital role in helping us maintain our equilibrium and balance. Without proper maintenance and care, we can cause unnecessary damage to our ears. Some of the most common ear problems are treatable or have preventative measures that protect your ears from hearing loss or damage.
How to Avoid Earwax Buildup
Earwax is a natural part of your body's defenses. It cleans, lubricates, and protects your canal by trapping dirt and slowing down the production of bacteria. Earwax blockages are a result of excessive wax that doesn't wash away naturally. Signs of wax build-up include:
Earache
Feeling fullness in affected ear
Ringing or static noises in the ear
Decreased hearing
Dizziness
Cough
What causes wax build-up?
One of the biggest culprits of earwax blockages is from placing cotton swabs in your ear to clean them. Glands found in the outer half of your ear canal produce and secrete wax. These glands, coupled with tiny hairs, trap dust and other potentially harmful particles from causing damage. When you remove the body's natural defense with cotton swabs, you either force your body to overproduce or push wax back into your canal causing discomfort.
When to see an ENT specialist?
If you are experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, you will want to seek advice from an ear specialist who can help you diagnose the problem. Because the inside of your ear is so delicate, removing wax needs to be performed safely by a doctor. Do not place cotton swabs or any device into the ear to remove build-up on your own.
Middle Ear Infection: Treatment and Causes
Ear infections are painful and uncomfortable. They occur when bacteria or viral infections fill the space behind the eardrum. This area contains tiny, vibrating bones and the pressure from the inflammation in this area causes a lot of pain. Most ear infections include:
Pain in the ear, especially when lying down
Difficulty sleeping
Crying more than usual
Acting more irritable than usual
Difficulty hearing or responding to sounds
Loss of balance
Fever
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Headaches
What causes an ear infection?
The most common cause of an ear infection is a cold, flu, or allergies. These illnesses are notorious for causing congestion and swelling of nasal passages, throat, and the eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes run from the middle of the ear to the throat regulating air pressure, refreshing air, and draining normal secretions. Swelling from infection or mucus in these tubes block them from doing their job and cause the fluids to accumulate. Children are more susceptible to ear infections than adults.
How to Prevent an Ear Infection.
The best way to prevent an ear infection is by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often and don't share food or beverages with anyone who is sick. For babies, try to breastfeed if possible, because breast milk contains antibodies that help fight off infection. If you bottle feed, avoiding giving them a bottle while they are laying down. Because small children are more inclined to have an ear infection, don't miss out on their doctor's appointment to check they are healthy!
Tinnitus Prevention
Tinnitus isn't a condition; it is a result of an underlying issue such as hearing loss, injury, or circulatory system disorder. Fortunately, it is not painful but proves to be bothersome with constant ringing, buzzing, or clicking inside the ear.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is usually a result of inner ear damage that is brought about by various factors. Tiny hairs inside your ear move from pressure to sound waves. This process sends information to your brain which interprets it as sound. When these small hairs break, they give false information to your brain about sounds that aren't occurring. The most common causes of tinnitus are:
Age-related hearing loss - Our hearing worsens with age and many people might find they have tinnitus too.
Noise - induced hearing loss - Continuous exposure to loud machinery or heavy equipment can damage your hearing. Additionally, repeat exposure to loud music for long periods of time can be quite damaging.
Earwax blockage - As we previously mentioned, earwax helps minimize the growth of bacteria and keeps the ear free from dirt. Too much and you risk developing tinnitus.
How to Prevent Tinnitus
There are instances when you can't prevent tinnitus, for example, age-related hearing loss. Some precautions help reduce the chances of it developing. For example, use hearing protection whenever possible, especially if you are subjected to frequent loud noises at work. Recreationally, try turning down your headphones when listening to music. Noise-canceling headphones are an excellent option for keeping your ears safe. Lastly, maintain a healthy lifestyle by including regular exercise. Keeping your blood vessels healthy helps prevent tinnitus linked to blood vessel disorders.
At OAT, our team of experienced audiologists will conduct thorough diagnostic and hearing tests to recommend the best possible course of treatment. Contact us today at 615-340-4000, to learn more.
