Managing Chronic Ear Infections
Ear infections are a common condition, especially in small children. While the occasional infection is usually nothing to worry about, if the infection keeps coming back, it has the potential to lead to more serious health consequences, including hearing loss. The Link Between Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss Symptoms of an ear infection can…
What Causes Ear Drainage & How Can I Stop It?
Many different types of substances can drain from the ear. Some are normal, while others require medical attention. Below we review different types and causes of ear drainage as well as their treatments. Earwax Earwax is a natural substance produced by a healthy ear. Its job is to moisturize the ear canal as well as…
What Does a Sharp Pain in the Ear Mean?
Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in the ear? This phenomenon, known medically as otalgia, may be alarming, but in many cases, it does not warrant serious concern. In this post, we review the common causes of ear pain and how each is treated. Ruptured Eardrum If you’ve ruptured your eardrum, it means it…
What Is a Patulous Eustachian Tube?
The Eustachian tubes are the passageways between the middle ears and the back of the throat. Their job is to allow fluid to drain from the middle ear and equalize ear pressure between the middle ear and the environment. In most cases, the Eustachian tubes remain closed, and they open only when you swallow, yawn…
How Are Eustachian Tube Disorders Treated?
According to the National Library of Medicine, the Eustachian tubes are narrow passageways that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. They typically remain closed but open when you chew, swallow or yawn. The Eustachian tubes have three main functions: protecting the middle ear from pathogens, ventilating the middle ear to equalize…
How To Safely Remove Earwax at Home, and When To See an ENT
The right amount of earwax is essential to cleaning and protecting your ears. However, sometimes earwax can build up in the ear and cause problems like earaches, ear infections and even temporary hearing loss. Removing Earwax at Home If you have earwax buildup, you may be tempted to try and clean your ears with a…
Does Your Child Have Glue Ear?
Glue ear is a condition that occurs when the middle ear becomes filled with a thick, glue-like fluid. It’s much more common in children than adults because children’s Eustachian tubes are narrower. While it often resolves on its own, it can sometimes have serious health repercussions if left untreated. In fact, glue ear is one…
Why Does My Child Have Chronic Ear Infections?
Painful ear infections are a rite of passage for most kids. (Remember yours? Ouch.) Most ear infections either resolve on their own or are effectively treated by antibiotics. But sometimes, ear infections or fluid in the middle ear may become a chronic problem leading to other issues, such as hearing loss, poor school performance or…
Can Allergies Be the Cause of Frequent Ear Infections?
If you have allergies and experience frequent middle ear infections, you may be interested to learn that the two conditions are closely linked. In this post we review how to recognize an ear infection, why there’s a link between allergies and ear infections, and how to manage allergies. How to Recognize an Ear Infection If…
Beware of Noisy Toy Choices This Holiday Season
From adorable talking dolls to small firetrucks with miniature sirens, noisy toys might actually contribute to hearing loss for kids and their caregivers. And with holiday gift-giving right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to learn more about which toys are on the naughty or the nice list when to comes to noise levels….
