To remove ear wax safely, some suggest using warmed oils such as baby oil, mineral oil or olive oil to soften the ear wax. A few drops of warmed, but not hot, oil should be placed carefully in the ear canal as the patient lies on his or her side. The oil should be allowed to remain in the ear canal for a few seconds to literally melt the ear wax. To remove ear wax after the oil has been applied, the patient should lean his or head to one side and allow the oil to flow out naturally into a clean cloth. A supply of clean water can then be squirted into the ear to remove ear wax deposits that may remain.

Another way to remove ear wax safely is to use ear drops specifically formulated to soften excessive wax. These ear drops are usually sold in the pharmacy section of a department or grocery store, along with other ear care products for swimmer’s ear and general earaches. Apply these ear drops according to the directions on the box. In general, a solution is dropped into the ear canal to soften and liquefy excess ear wax. After a few minutes, the solution is allowed to drain out of the ear naturally. Some products that remove ear wax may include a rubberized bulb for flushing out residue.

Some experts suggest that the safest way to remove ear wax is not to remove it at all. The body produces ear wax for a reason – to trap outside dirt and other contaminants before they can reach the vulnerable workings of the inner ear. While some may find this waxy substance unappealing, it is not always wise to remove ear wax strictly for aesthetics. Using a cotton swab to remove ear wax in the ear canal can lead to compaction of the wax or puncture of the ear drum.

Conventional thinking nowadays is to remove ear wax only when it becomes excessive or compromises hearing. Discolored or excessive ear wax may be a sign of a larger problem, so you may need to plan a visit to your personal physician for a more thorough exam. Meanwhile, avoid using anything mechanical to remove ear wax, such as a paper clip, cotton swab or car key. A deep itch in the ear canal can often be relieved by plugging your nose and blowing air through the Eustachian tubes. Excessive ear wax buildup can become a serious problem, so seek medical attention if these home remedies do not bring relief.

This is an infection of the outer ear canal. Most commonly, this occurs secondary to excessive moisture and water in the ear canal, such as from swimming. It can also occur secondary to damage to the canal from scratching or cleaning. The damaged and moist ear canal becomes a fertile ground for bacteria to grow, leading to infection.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
*Ear pain
*Pain elicited by pulling on the ear. This is different from a middle ear infection, which is NOT made more painful by pulling on the ear.
*Pus, bloody drainage, redness, or swelling visible in the ear canal.
*Swimmer’s ear is diagnosed by examination by a doctor.

Treatment of swimmer’s ear
*Antibiotic ear drops
*Cleaning the drainage that you can see on the outside of the ear.
*Avoidance of swimming until ear pain has improved.

Preventing swimmer’s ear
*Swimmer’s ear drops are available over the counter. Putting the drops in the ear after swimming helps to dry the ear canal. Alternatively, a mixture of half water, half white vinegar can be used as drops.
*Dry the ear with a hairdryer set to low. Keep the dryer at least a foot away from the ear, and be careful not to burn the ear!

Antibiotics: If a physician confirms a middle ear infection, she will likely prescribe an antibiotic. The first antibiotic we prescribe, if there is no allergy to it, is amoxicillin. Due to widespread use of antibiotics, some ear infections will not respond to amoxicillin and will require a stronger antibiotic. This is more likely in younger children, children who have had past ear infections, and children who attend day care. The reason to try amoxicillin first is that, if it does work, you are “saving” the stronger antibiotics for later, if you need them. The more you use any antibiotic, the more likely it won’t work the next time. If it has been at least two months since your last antibiotic treatment, it is reasonable to try amoxicillin again. Just because it hasn’t worked in the past doesn’t mean it won’t work this time!

Pain and fever control: Treat pain and fever with ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If the fever or pain lasts longer than 72 hours after starting the antibiotic, call the office.

Numbing ear drops: There are numbing ear drops available by prescription that often help with the pain. The drops may sting initially, but will hopefully provide relief within minutes. Use 1-2 drops in the affected ear every 1-2 hours as needed. These drops can be safely used with antibiotics and Motrin or Tylenol. If you see blood or pus draining from your ear, do not use the drops.

Warm or cool washcloths may provide some relief.

Upright positioning: Keeping you in a more upright position may help alleviate pressure and make yourself more comfortable.

Observation without antibiotic treatment: Many ear infections are viral or will resolve on their own without antibiotics. Therefore, it is reasonable in certain cases to treat the pain of the infection and monitor the patient without administering antibiotics. An ear infection is more likely to clear on its own if the patient is older and has not had frequent ear infections. If the pain or symptoms last longer than three days, it is less likely that the infection will clear on it’s own.

You should be feeling better within 72 hours of treatment. If not, call the office. In some situations, your doctor may have you schedule an ear recheck. This is usually done 2-3 weeks after the completion of the entire course of antibiotics. This is especially important if you  had repeated ear infections. An earache is not an emergency and can wait until morning, if the office is closed, without added risk of complications. It is not uncommon for a child to complain of ear pain and not have an infection. Therefore, it is not good medicine to provide antibiotics over the phone for ear pain.

What is the problem with noise?

Noise is part of everyday life, but loud noise can permanently damage your hearing. Conversation becomes difficult or impossible, your family complains about the television being too loud and you have trouble using the telephone.Permanent tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can also be caused. The damage can be instant, for very loud or explosive noises, but generally it is gradual. By the time you notice it, it is probably too late.

Is there a noise problem where I work?

Probably, if you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions about the noise where you work:
■ Is the noise intrusive – like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant – for most of the working day?
■ Do you have to raise your voice to have a normal conversation when about 2 m apart for at least part of the day?
■ Do you use noisy powered tools or machinery for over half an hour a day?
■ Do you work in a noisy industry, eg construction, demolition or road repair; woodworking; plastics processing; engineering; textile manufacture; general fabrication; forging, pressing or stamping; paper or board making; canning or bottling; foundries?
■ Are there noises because of impacts (eg hammering, drop forging, pneumatic impact tools etc), explosive sources such as cartridge-operated tools or detonators, or guns?

You are also at risk if you have muffled hearing at the end of the day, even if it is better by the next morning. However, there is no need for your hearing to be damaged at all.

Hearing loss is a sudden or gradual decrease in being able to hear.

There are different types of hearing loss:
• Conductive Hearing Loss
Sound is blocked. This is often caused by earwax build up.
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A nerve problem prevents proper hearing. This is often caused by aging.
• Mixed
Hearing loss where both the conductive and sensorineural systems are affected.

Causes
• Aging
• Loud noise exposure
• Blockage
• Ear infection
• Certain medicines
• Ear and head injury
• Some illnesses
• Born with an ear problem
• Family members with hearing loss

Signs
• Sounds are muffled.
• High pitched sounds are hard to hear.
• Words are difficult to understand when there is background noise.