Inflammation of the ear (otitis) can occur in different ways: 

Otitis externa 

This is inflammation of the ear canal, which may be caused by allergy, irritation (e.g. by shampoo, soap or hairspray) or a superficial infection. It is also known as ‘swimmer’s ear’, as it can occur when water is trapped in the ear canal. Symptoms include:

• Itching
• Muffled hearing
• Watery discharge
• Pain.

Some customers may need to use protective products such as swimming caps or swimmers’ earplugs or drops to protect their ears from water. Otitis externa can also be caused by excessive cleaning that removes the protective ear wax, or a skin condition such as psoriasis.

Otitis media

This is inflammation and infection of the middle ear. It causes swelling and a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum, which leads to severe pain. Other symptoms include fever, nausea and vomiting.

Otitis media is more common in children under 10 years of age and often follows a cold. Symptoms in young children may also include unexplained crying, tugging at the ear and irritability.

If the eardrum perforates (i.e. a hole develops in it), there may be discharge from the ear. Most cases develop quickly then resolve in a few days once the infection has cleared, and can be managed with pain relief. Applying a warm flannel may also be soothing.

Otitis media with effusion 

This is also known as glue ear. The middle ear fills with fluid, which can then affect hearing as the small bones that carry the vibrations of sound can’t move freely. If a child is affected by hearing loss, parents may notice that they need to turn up the volume on TVs or games consoles, or that they become frustrated at not keeping up with conversations or are asking people to repeat themselves.

In some cases, this will resolve within three months. However, if symptoms persist or speech or language development is affected, it may be treated with minor surgery or by inserting grommets (small tubes) into the ear to drain the fluid. Although it is more common in children, glue ear can affect adults too.