Hearing loss, ear infections, and tinnitus are common issues our otolaryngologists treat every day. Our team is dedicated to evaluating each concern thoroughly and providing effective care.
What To Do About an Ear Infection
An ear infection is typically caused by a blocked eustachian tube normally caused by a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory infection. The presence of the bacteria or virus within this blockage can lead to fluid buildup of pus or mucus behind the eardrum. This causes otitis media, or an ear infection; the buildup of the blockage causes pressure which leads to the common symptoms of earache, swelling, and redness.
If gone untreated, ear infections can become very serious. Severe ear infections can lead to severe pain and hearing loss. Otitis media can also spread to nearby structures of the head causing more infection. It is important to recognize the symptoms of an ear infection so that it can be treated quickly; and, as urgENT accepts walk-ins, we strive to see patients as quickly as possible when symptoms begin.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infections
- Pulling or scratching at the ear
- Hearing problems
- Crying or irritability
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Ear drainage
Once you are in the office, the doctor will use an otoscope to look in the ear and assess it. He or she may also use puffs of air to see if the eardrum moves. If it does not, this means that an infection is probably present.
The doctor will prescribe medications to combat your ear infection. It is important to take the medication as directed, as these medicines are often effective in reducing pain and controlling infection. Stopping early can allow the infection to come back, so completing the full course supports full recovery.
What are Ear Tubes?
Tympanostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, or ear tubes: No matter what they are called, they are all the same thing—small cylinders placed in the eardrum so that air can pass into the middle ear. They are typically made of metal, Teflon, or plastic and may have coating to reduce infection. They are used to prevent chronic ear infections and other problems related to chronic ear infections. They may not prevent all ear infections, but they are often effective in reducing how frequently they occur.
The Two Types of Ear Tubes are:
- Short Term Ear Tubes: Small tubes that stay in the ear for anywhere from 6 months to a year and then fall out on their own.
- Long Term Ear Tubes: Larger than short-term tubes, these tubes have flanges on them to secure them in place so that you don’t have to worry about the ear tubes coming out. Since they are“locked” in place, they don’t always fall out on their own. If they don’t fall out, they will need to be removed by an otolaryngologist.
Doctors recommend tubes to:
- Reduce the risk of future ear infection
- Restore hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid
- Improve speech and balance problems
- Improve behavior problems due to chronic ear infection
What is Ear Wax?
Everybody produces at least some ear wax, although some may produce more than others. Earwax is produced by the body to coat the ear canal and act as a type of water repellent. Earwax is perfectly healthy in normal amounts, and ears are generally self-cleaning. Normally, ear wax is migrated towards the front of the ear by ear-canal skin that is slowly moving towards the outside of the ear. Once the earwax gets to the edge of the ear, it can dry and fall out.
Because ear wax is not formed in the deep part of the ear canal, when a patient has a blockage, it is because they used something to push the wax deeper to clean it out.
Once you are in the office, the doctor will use an otoscope to look in the ear and assess it. He or she may also use puffs of air to see if the eardrum moves. If it does not, this means that an infection is probably present.
Here are some urgENT tips for safe ear wax removal:
Under normal conditions, the ear canals shouldn't have to be cleaned because they are ‘self-cleaning.’ If you would like to take care of ear wax using home treatments, focus on softening the wax so that it will come out easily. Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial drops may be placed in the ear. While these are not as strong as prescription drops, they are still effective in most cases.
Do not use cotton swabs! When people use cotton swabs to get wax out of their ears, all they are really doing is pushing the wax deeper, which could lead to hearing loss and inner ear damage.
If home care or over the counter treatments aren’t enough to address your ear issues, consider visiting an urgENTCare ENT specialist. Our focus is on helping patients feel better and find lasting relief from their ENT concerns.”
At urgENT, we provide comprehensive ENT services in one location so patients can address multiple concerns conveniently.
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