Ear Care

Why is ear care necessary?

The ear is an intricate organ that provides hearing and balance, two essential functions. When the ear behaves as a receptor, it passes sound waves from the auditory canal to the eardrum. Here they cause vibrations that trigger three important bones to provide movement to the oval window, which ultimately transfers the sensation to the inner ear's fluid. It allows the minute hair cells found here to signal the brain, whereby sound is perceived.

The ear is also responsible for providing balance to the body. It performs this vital task by ensuring equal air pressure in the atmosphere and within the ear. It becomes apparent that the ear and its functions have a massive impact on our day-to-day lives; hence, it is of utmost importance to care for the ears.

What are the common ear-related illnesses?

One of the most common ear-related illnesses includes conductive hearing loss. As the name states, this condition prevents sound waves from being perceived or "conducted". One might hear louder sounds as muffled, and lower sounds might not be perceived at all.

Conductive hearing loss may be caused by numerous factors, such as an imbalance of fluids in the middle ear or ear wax build-up within the auditory canal. It could also result from more severe complications such as a hole in the eardrum or a benign tumour. Conductive hearing loss may also indicate that an object is trapped within the ear, like a tiny pebble or a piece of cotton.

Illnesses like conductive hearing loss are common, and they often require surgical procedures for treatment.

Meniere's disease

Another illness quite often heard of is Meniere's disease. The exact causes are hard to point out, but it mainly occurs due to changes in the inner ear's fluids. Since this part of the ear actively helps maintain balance, a shift in normal fluid levels may induce vertigo. Other symptoms include tinnitus, the sensation of ringing in the ear, which is also common in individuals exposed to loud sounds for extensive periods. People with Meniere's may also suffer hearing loss in the ear.

The disease can be treated with medication that targets the individual symptoms, for instance, medicine to fight motion sickness if you're experiencing vertigo or anti-nauseating tablets if you have nausea. Physical therapy, hearing aids and surgery may also be viable treatments.

What are less common ear-related illnesses?

An acoustic neuroma is a slightly rare occurrence, but one must take it just as seriously. It presents itself in the form of a small growth around the cranial nerves. Over time, it may develop and add stress to the nerves, hence impacting their functions. The symptoms can elevate from vertigo and headaches to numbness in the face, problems in swallowing, taste changes, and balance difficulties. Patients may also find themselves in a constant state of confusion.

You can have acoustic neuromas treated through radiation therapy or surgical procedures through which infected parts of the ear are removed.

Other rare but severe diseases of the ear include perichondritis, which inflicts pain, fever, redness, and Usher syndrome, a genetic disorder.

How can you care for the ears?

The ear is a sensitive organ, and with age, you may suffer ear damage. However, if you practices caution, you can reduce this harm significantly. Here are some ways you can protect your ears:

Using ear muffs:

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud sounds. Noise pollution is on the rise, and it is almost impossible to keep away from powerful sounds. But, it is possible to exercise caution. You can make use of earmuffs or earplugs to limit the amount of noise reaching your ears.

Keeping your ears dry:

Your ears should also always be kept dry. When moisture increases on the ear's surface, it becomes an easy target for bacteria and increases infection risks. Hence, whenever your ears are exposed to water, make sure to dry them gently with a towel or cloth.

Adding cardio to your routine doesn't just benefit your stamina but also maintains ear functioning. The exercise helps the inner ear parts regulate functions and work at full capacity.

Giving your ears time to rest:

Research suggests that the ears need more than 15 hours to relax after being in a noisy environment for hours. Hence, introducing activities that let you work or rest in silence is essential for your ears. You can take up practices such as mediation that call for quiet surroundings. Such a balance is vital for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Applying sunscreen:

Most people tend to forget the ears when putting on sunscreen. However, this practice can be detrimental. The tops of the ear are quite vulnerable to sunburns. Continued exposure to the sun's radiation without protection may give rise to skin cancers on the surface of the ear. Hence, remember to coat the ears with sunscreen generously whenever you go out.

Avoid cotton swabs

Contrary to popular beliefs, you do not need to remove ear wax regularly. The ear wax is your ear's mechanism for cleaning itself. When objects such as cotton swabs are used against them, you may suffer severe harm like a bruise or bleeding in your eardrum. If the wax builds up enough to cause you hearing problems, you can always consult a doctor or use medication to remove ear wax.

What are the benefits of ear care?

Ear care goes a long way. It may be a tedious activity, including preventive measures into your routine, but it is a practice that bears fruit over time. Maintaining ear health helps you stay vigilant and active in your everyday life.

When your ears are in good shape, you have better balance. This is why professional athletes and dancers always advise proper ear care. However, the right balance doesn't just benefit dancers and gymnasts; it plays a role in everyone's lives. It aids you in becoming less clumsy and more reliable.

The clarity in sound also promotes a good mood. It aids in avoiding confusion and makes you feel in touch with your surroundings. Hence, ear care is a vital tool that you can make use of every day.

How do ear care products work?

Ear care products such as the Care Sodium Bicarbonate allow ear wax removal by softening the wax. The active ingredient is sodium bicarbonate that dissolves the larger pieces of wax into smaller ones, hence ending a blockage if there was any. The Otex Ear drops and Otex express also work similarly; the only difference is that their formulas' active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide.

Our Otex range also consists of Otex Oil. The Otex oil uses olive oil as a critical ingredient. This product is quite suitable if the ear wax within the auditory canal has dried up. The olive oil gently makes it soft again and allows for the ear to utilize it properly.

If you're hoping to treat an outer ear infection, the Earcalm Spray is perfect for you. Its active ingredient is acetic acid which is an antibacterial agent in nature. Hence, if bacteria invade your ear due to moisture, the spray removes it. It also contains some drying agents like alcohol and glycerin to avoid unnecessary moisture build-up. All of these products have been clinically approved for both children and adults.

For more information, you may reach out to us through the website, and we'll be sure to satisfy your queries. Your ears deserve only the best care, and we're here to provide it.

Can I buy ear care products treatment online?

Yes! You can quickly and discreetly buy ear care products online through our website.

Patient information leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before starting your treatment.