Common Ear Problems

Common ear problems are prevalent among the population- five out of six children deal with an ear infection by the time they’re three. Many ear problems are the result of birth defects, and thankfully, you can get a variety of different treatments for them. If you’re in a very uncomfortable position and are experiencing a lot of pain in your ear, you must visit an ENT specialist. They are professionally trained to treat certain ear problems. To give you a bit more insight into ear diseases, here are a few of the most common ear problems. You never know when you might be experiencing such problems yourself.

Common Ear Problems
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Common Types of Ear Problems

1. Blocked/Congested Ear

You can experience a congested or blocked ear when the Eustachian tube gets blocked. Clogging in this tube leads to intense pain and muffled hearing. One of the main causes of this ear problem is sinus congestion that starts with the trigger of external irritants or because of the normal flu or cold. An ENT can treat this ear problem by giving you a nasal decongestant and will also ask you to make a few changes in your daily lifestyle.

2. An Ear Infection

Ear infections are one of the most common ear problems in children. These infections could appear both in the outer and inner ears caused mainly by different viral infections. An ear infection is known to cause immense pain, especially if you don’t get it treated on time. One of the best ways to treat the pain is by taking painkillers like ibuprofen. The thing with ear infections is that there is no required treatment except to alleviate the pain.

The infection goes away on its own within three days. However, if it persists for more than three days, you must consult an ENT immediately. Most outer ear infections occur in adults, which affects the ear canal. It may also occur due to exposure to dirty material such as earplugs or from a hearing aid. You became highly susceptible to infections if you suffer from eczema or dermatitis. To know if you have an ear infection, there are a few symptoms to keep track of, such as your temperature, your hearing ability, any discharge from the ear, fatigue, intense pain in the ear, and bleeding.

3. Earwax Buildup

While earwax is a natural product that lubricates the ear canal, accumulation is a common ear problem. Sometimes, this condition can cause immense pain and may grow worse when you try removing the wax with a cotton bud. Using a Q-tip will only push the wax further into your ear. The main symptoms of earwax buildup include itchiness, earache, dizziness, ear infection, and hearing high-pitched sounds. You don’t really need to visit an ENT as the wax goes away on its own. Many people perfect sticking to home remedies, such as the use of olive and almond oil. These oils soften the wax, so it washes out of your ear. If there is excessive wax buildup, you may have to go to an ENT.

4. Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an ear infection that affects the inner portion of your ear. This condition emerges due to inflammation during the flu and gradually spreads towards the inner ear. Labyrinthitis can grow serious to the point that you experience vision loss and hearing problems. It may also lead to constant dizziness and vertigo. The best treatment for Labyrinthitis is the use of over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, which help reduce symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Your ENT may also prescribe antibiotics, depending on the severity of your condition.

Most Common Ear Problems | ENT Doctor
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5. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is an ear problem that involves a disturbing tingling sound in the ear. It can become very intolerable sometimes. This is a temporary condition, but at times, it can persist for a long time. The main causes of tinnitus include congestion because of the flu. Listening to extremely loud music is another reason. Tinnitus has a lot to do with aging, as this is the age where you usually start to experience some degree of hearing loss. Consequently, this condition is more common in adults. The main symptoms of tinnitus include ringing in the ear, buzzing, hissing, and other disturbing noises that others can’t hear. A common treatment for tinnitus is Cognitive behavioral therapy, which reduces the anxiety caused by tinnitus. It also helps train your brain to not pay too much attention to the noise in your ear.