A fragile sense organ
The ear is the centre of balance and hearing, and whilst it is robust on the outside, it is in fact an extremely fragile organ.
Ear Wax
The ear is normally a self-cleaning mechanism. Earwax is a mixture of skin exfoliation, cholesterol, fatty acids, minerals and skin proteins. It is produced in the outer third of the ear canal, and its composition varies from person to person. Although ear wax acts as a protective barrier against external incursion, its accumulation can create plugs, which can be painful to remove and cause disorders such as reduction in hearing ability, buzzing, vertigo, loss of balance, eczema and fungal infections leading to eventual permanent hearing damage.
Cleaning the ear
One cause of excessive wax buildup is the use of cotton buds. Most people use cotton buds to clean their ears, since previously there has been no alternative. However it is not recommended to use cotton buds, as they push the earwax further down the auditory canal and create recurring earwax plugs.
Despite their gentle look, cotton buds can be harmful if they are misused and can cause a perforation of the eardrum/tympanic membrane. It is estimated that there are several thousand injuries involving cotton buds in the UK, every year.
Ear maintenance
To maintain a clean and healthy ear canal, you can use a commercially available spray such as Earex.
Ear conditions requiring medical assistance
If pus flows from any part of your ear, it is highly likely that you have some kind of infection and should see your GP immediately. Permanent damage to your hearing can occur from conditions that are not diagnosed and treated from a hearing specialist.
Common symptoms associated with hearing impairment are ringing sounds in the ears, a feeling of pressure in the ears, and dizziness. Contact your GP, audiologist or registered hearing aid dispenser to test your hearing if you experience these symptoms.
Childhood diseases such as mumps, measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough, or any high fever can also leave permanent hearing impairment. Always have your child's hearing tested if he/she has had any of these conditions in addition to regular ear care.
You should always have your ears examined at least once every year by your GP, audiologist, or registered hearing aid dispenser.
