Ears

The facts

The facts

Ears

Earwax build-up Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.A build-up of earwax is a common problem that can often be treated using eardrops bought from a pharmacy.Some people regularly get blocked ears because they naturally produce a lot of earwax.Other factors that can increase the risk of too much earwax include:producing naturally hard or dry earwaxhaving narrow or hairy ear canals (the tube between the opening of the ear and the eardrum)being elderly, as earwax becomes drier with agebony growths in the outer part of the ear canalEarwax can also block your ear if you frequently insert objects into your ear canal, such as cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing aids.

The facts

Ears

Otitis InfectionOtitis media is an infection of the middle ear that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum.Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between six and 15 months old are most commonly affected.It's estimated that around one in every four children experience at least one middle ear infection by the time they're 10 years old.

The facts

Ears

Glue EarGlue ear is a common childhood condition where the middle ear becomes filled with fluid. The medical term for glue ear is otitis media with effusion.It's estimated that one in five children around the age of two will be affected by glue ear at any given time, and about 8 in every 10 children will have had glue ear at least once by the time they're 10 years old.The main symptom of glue ear is some hearing loss in one or both ears. This is usually similar to what you experience when you put your hands over your ears.Signs that your child may be having problems hearing include: • Struggling to keep up with conversations.• Becoming aggravated because they're trying harder

to hear.• Regularly turning up the volume on the television.

The facts

Ears

TinnitusTinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside your body, rather than from an outside source.It's often described as "ringing in the ears", although several sounds can be heard, including:• Buzzing• Humming• Grinding• Hissing• WhistlingSome people may hear sounds similar to music or singing, and others hear noises that beat in time with their pulse (pulsatile tinnitus).You may also notice that your hearing is not as good as it used to be or you're more sensitive to everyday sounds

The facts

Ears

VertigoVertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It's the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks.Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making normal life very difficult.Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:• Loss of balance – which can make it difficult to

stand or walk• Feeling sick or being sick• Dizziness

The facts

Ears

Perforated eardrumA perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the eardrum. It can be uncomfortable, but usually heals within a few weeks or months provided your ear is kept dry and there’s no infection.The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin layer of tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.A hole in the eardrum can be caused by:• A middle ear infection, if pus builds up inside your

ear and puts pressure on your eardrum• An injury to the eardrum, such as a severe blow to

the ear or poking an object such as a cotton bud deep into the ear

• A sudden loud noise, such as a loud explosion• Changes in air pressure, such as pressure changes

while flying at high altitude or when scuba diving.

The facts

Ears

For more Information on Medical MarketingContact us:• Twitter: @HBTMedia• Facebook: HBTMedia• Phone: 07932063427• Office Address:• HBT Media 128 Dock Rd, Tilbury• Essex, RM18 7BJ