Don't Suffer in Silence

The ability to hear is one of our most important senses, enabling us to connect to and make sense of the world. It’s the brain’s main connection to what’s happening around us and our hearing is always on duty, 24 hours a day, every day. It’s a sense we tend to take for granted, yet ear problems can develop at any time due to blockages or infections. Here, we look at some of the common causes of ear discomfort.

Earwax build-up

Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. This usually passes out of the ear harmlessly but sometimes too much wax can build up and lead to blocked ears. It’s a very common problem and can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drops. Some people naturally produce a lot of earwax leading to regularly blocked ears. Other factors that can increase the risk of too much wax building up include: • Producing naturally hard or dry earwax • Having narrow or hairy ear canals • Getting older, as earwax becomes drier with age If you have a build-up of earwax, you may experience symptoms such as: earache, hearing loss, tinnitus, itchiness, vertigo or develop an infection.

Pressure in your ears

Your sinuses and ears are closely connected so when you have sinus congestion, this can lead to pressure in your ears. Having clogged sinuses can lead to pain, dizziness, and a muffled sensation. Treating the congestion in your sinuses is the first step. Try using a nasal saline decongestant spray or hold a warm, moist muslin cloth to your face – this can help to ease the pressure and discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids too, as staying hydrated can help to keep nasal mucus thin.

Swimmer’s ear

Despite the name, you don’t need to have been in the pool to get this! It has the medical name otitis externa and is an infection of the ear canal. Swimmer’s ear is usually caused by bacteria, although it can sometimes be brought on by a virus or fungus. Symptoms include itching in the ear, pain, and trouble hearing (sound may seem muffled as your ear canal swells). You might also experience fluid draining out of the ear. Prescription ear drops are the most common treatment for this condition.

Hearing loss

This often develops gradually with age, although it can also be caused by repeated exposure to loud noises. General signs of hearing loss include misunderstanding what is being said to you, asking people to repeat themselves or regularly watching TV with the volume turned up higher. There are a number of treatment options and recommendations will depend on the cause of your hearing problems.

Who to ask for help?

A sudden change to your hearing is likely to need an appointment with your GP. But if you have ongoing problems such as regular earwax build-up, or you have gradual age-related hearing loss, then it’s worth visiting a specialist.