Ear health maintenance involves more than routine doctor visits and avoiding loud noises whenever possible. It also concerns educating yourself on common conditions that can cause hearing loss, among other symptoms. Use the following guide to know what disorders you should be aware of.

3 Ear Disorders to Know About

1. Swimmer’s Ear

Bacteria can breed if moisture becomes trapped in the ear canal, such as from swimming or bathing. This situation can result in an infection known as swimmer’s ear, which causes inflammation, itching, and pain. When experiencing this disorder, you can also have clear, non-odorous ear discharge and swollen lymph nodes.

Swimmer’s ear can clear on its own or with prescription ear drops. However, if you regularly go in the water for professional or recreation reasons, you most likely want to avoid this condition. In this case, purchase custom-molded ear plugs, which provide protective barriers. 

2. Meniere’s Disease 

This disease targets the inner ear, which is also known as the labyrinth or endolymphatic sac. It causes this area to fill with fluid, potentially resulting in hearing loss, vertigo, dizziness, sweating, and pressure. It can also lead to tinnitus, also known as ringing or buzzing in the ears.

The cause of Meniere’s disease remains unknown. However, it’s suspected that risk factors such as allergies, viral infections, and blood vessel constrictions contribute to the condition. 

While there is currently no cure for the disorder, you can manage it with motion sickness medication. Another treatment includes reducing fluid in the body via water pills and limited salt consumption. Surgical procedures that decompress the endolymphatic sac can be necessary in severe cases. 

3. Boils

Also known as furuncles, boils can develop in the ear canal and are usually the result of bacterial infections. Broken skin from trauma increases the risk. Abscesses are typically painful and itchy, with sizable furuncles causing hearing loss. 

Sudden discharge results if a boil bursts, but you should never attempt to squeeze it, as it risks infection. Instead, apply warm compresses to your ear to encourage the abscess to open and drain. If the furuncle is still present after two weeks, it likely needs draining by an ENT specialist. Antibiotics are also helpful in preventing infection. 

If you suspect an issue impacting your ear health, visit Peninsula Ear Nose & Throat Clinic in Kenai, AK, for a solution. This practice has provided top-quality ENT care for over 33 years for various ear disorders, including hearing loss, vertigo, and infections. Call (907) 283-5400 today to make an appointment, and learn more about treatment services online.