When you’re healthy, you often don’t give your ears a second thought. But when faced with a health condition that affects your hearing, you suddenly find yourself looking for solutions. This is understandable; our ears are crucial in allowing us to communicate effectively, and are often our first line of defense against danger.
Swimmers Ear
When water becomes trapped in the ear, bacteria can cause inflammation and infection of the ear canal. This painful affliction is known as swimmer’s ear and can occur following exposure to any moist environment. It is most common in children and teenagers, individuals with eczema and anybody with excess earwax. What Causes Swimmer’s Ear? Anybody…
Perforated Eardrum
A ruptured, or perforated, eardrum is a tear in the thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The eardrum is an important part of how we hear, as it is instrumental in the process of converting a sound wave that enters the ear into an electrical signal that gets sent to…
Earwax Removal
Earwax (cerumen) is a yellow, brown or black waxy substance produced by healthy ears. Earwax protects the ear from bacteria, water and foreign particles. It also assists in the cleaning and lubrication of the ear canal. Usually, excess wax is removed from the ear canal naturally. If a buildup does occur, the earwax will become…
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tubes are the narrow passageways that run between the middle ear and upper throat. Their purpose is to equalize pressure and drain fluid from your middle ear. The Eustachian tubes typically remain closed until you chew, swallow or yawn. These tubes can sometimes become blocked, a condition that is called Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).…
Itchy Ears
Itchy ears are a common problem that may be caused by a variety of conditions. If you’re suffering from itchy ears, you may also notice dry, scaly skin in the ear canal, abrasions or discharge. For immediate relief, a mild steroid ear drop may be used. Below are common causes of itchy ears and corresponding…
Dizziness/Vertigo
Dizziness, a blanket term used to describe any feeling of unsteadiness, is one of the leading health complaints in the United States, affecting an estimated nine million people annually. For those over the age of 70, it’s the top reason for a visit to the doctor’s office. Causes Dizziness is the result of your brain…