What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

An ear infection is not a pleasant experience. The uncomfortable stuffiness in one or both ears and accompanying dizziness can quickly lead to frustration. The process of straining to hear sound that, at least in part, evades the senses, creates the sensation equivalent to being in a long, narrow tunnel or having cotton crammed into your ear when it’s not. If the stuffiness weren’t enough, itching adds to the problem and, at times, is enough to drive a person mad. That’s when the pain begins. It starts off as a mild soreness and escalates from there. Before long, the ear is a throbbing, burning, itchy mess.

There are three common types of ear infections based on their location: otitis interna (inner ear), otitis media (middle ear), and otitis externa (outer ear). The latter infection affects the ear canal, and is also referred to as Swimmer’s Ear. There are a number of causes and irritants that can lead to the Swimmer’s Ear infection.

Bacteria and Mold

While Swimmer’s Ear commonly occurs with swimmers, it can affect anyone. The infection is an inflammation of the ear canal that is caused by bacterial or mold growth. It occurs when the skin of the ear canal is irritated by small debris like water, soap, sand, or other small particles.

Hearing Devices

Since bacteria can cling to the surface of a hearing device, wearing a hearing aid can also lead to an infection when bacteria on the device transfers to the ear canal. The inside of the ear is warm and moist and provides the perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth. However, with the proper precautions, such as wiping the device clean with approved sterilization wipes and wiping the ear clean, the risk of developing an infection can be lessened.

Water and Soapy Irritants

The skin inside the ear is sensitive and there are a number of ways that it can become irritated such as when water, soap, shampoo, or even hair spray finds its way into the ear canal. The sensitive skin inside the ear becomes irritated and itchy. The longer the irritant sits in the ear canal, the more irritated the ear becomes. As a result, inflammation takes hold, and narrowing of the ear canal begins, leading to infection.

Excessive Cleaning

Although it is not advised, inserting items into the ear canal for wax removal, such as cotton swabs, Bobby pins, and more, can also irritate the ear and lead to infection. These items can scratch the inside of the ear and, hence, pave the way for bacteria and mold growth to begin.

However, there are other causes of irritation and infection. It’s vital to take steps early on when symptoms are first noticed to eliminate the problem early. The longer the infection is allowed to fester, the worse it becomes. While an ear infection may begin with mild discomfort and itching, it can quickly escalate from there. Inflammation and pain can worsen over time. The ear can develop a yellow or brown foul-smelling discharge. Hearing can also be affected by many reporting the feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear on the side where the infection is located.

Treatment

A confirmed diagnosis of Swimmer’s Ear requires an exam by a doctor. Ear, Sinus, and Allergy Center can quickly determine the type of infection and the appropriate treatment needed to resolve the issue. Often, medication in the form of antibiotic or antiseptic ear drops can be prescribed. However, if the infection has spread to other areas outside of the ear, the doctor may recommend an oral antibiotic.

Swimmer’s Ear can result from a number of causes and irritants. However, regardless of the cause of the infection, early intervention can eliminate the problem before it gets out of control.

If you need additional information about Swimmer’s Ear, or would like to schedule an exam, give us a call today at 828-319-2226. Ear, Sinus, and Allergy Center professionals are dedicated to providing you with the answers you need.

The post What is Swimmer’s Ear? appeared first on Ear, Sinus & Allergy Center PA - Valdese, NC ENT Doctor.

from Ear, Sinus & Allergy Center PA - Valdese, NC ENT Doctor http://ift.tt/1Med4f5
via IFTTT

Fireworks and Ears

Kids (and some adults!) love the loud noises that come along with fireworks, but you should know that these loud party favors can be very damaging to ears, and there are some precautions you should take.

Any sound above 85 decibels can cause hearing problems, and fireworks produce 150-175 decibels of sound. However, the possible damage depends on how close you are to the source of the noise, how loud the firework is and how old you are.

Dr. Bruce Jones, the best audiologist in Valdese, and the staff at Ear Sinus & Allergy Center want you to have a safe and happy Fourth of July! Here are some facts about loud noise and the damage it can cause.

Preventing damage from fireworks

Infant ears are much more sensitive than adult ears, and babies should not be exposed to fireworks at all. If you are an adult, you should be 15 to 20 meters away from a firework when it goes off. Your children should be 50 to 60 meters away from fireworks.

If you do plan on going to a fireworks show, it is a good idea to wear ear plugs, no matter how far you think you will be from the noise. There are inexpensive foam ear plugs you can get that go into the ear. Make sure you insert them correctly, by rolling them down until they are a very small size and then inserting them deep into the ear. The foam will expand, creating a seal to keep loud noises from getting into the ear.

If you are often exposed to loud noises, you may want Dr. Jones, a Valdese audiologist, to make custom-made ear plugs for you.

If you are the one setting off the fireworks, you might want to invest in headphones. Headphones sit over the top of the ears. They tend to offer more protection than the foam ear plugs; plus, they are more comfortable and are easier to wear.

The dangers of loud noise

Exposure to loud noises can lead to many different hearing issues.

• Tinnitus. This is a common condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Tinnitus is an intermittent or continuous sensation of hearing ringing, hissing, whistling or another noise. This noise can vary in volume, and as you can imagine it can be extremely annoying. It can cause difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and can interfere with work and relationships.
• Temporary threshold shift. This is a slight decrease in hearing, which typically lasts for only a day or so.
• Permanent hearing loss.

If you think you have a sudden hearing problem from a loud noise, get to Dr. Jones, the best audiologist in Valdese, as soon as you can, within a week at most. The chances are better that hearing will recover if prompt medical attention is given.

If you think you have hearing damage from fireworks or any other loud noise, don’t wait. See Dr. Bruce Jones at Ear Sinus & Allergy Center as soon as possible! Call (828) 319-2226 to make an appointment.

The post Fireworks and Ears appeared first on Ear, Sinus & Allergy Center PA - Valdese, NC ENT Doctor.

from Ear, Sinus & Allergy Center PA - Valdese, NC ENT Doctor http://ift.tt/1CnkoSf
via IFTTT