Problems in the ear are commonly due to a build up of earwax or infections:

1. Earwax (also known as cerumen) is a yellowish substance produced in the glands of the ears to protect the ear from damage and infection. It moves slowly out of the ear, taking any dust and dirt with it. People don’t necessarily notice it – it may fall out when sleeping or when they are washing their hair. Some people, however, may produce a lot of earwax or have narrow ear canals, which may result in a build up of earwax. Using hearing aids/ear plugs or trying to clean the ears can push the wax back into the ear. With age, the wax can be drier and may become impacted.

   Signs of a build up of earwax include a blocked sensation in the ear, and it may affect hearing (including temporary deafness after swimming, bathing or showering), or make someone feel dizzy.

2. Infections of the ear are common. Otitis is a term for inflammation or infection of the ear. Infections of the outer ear are called otitis externa. Infections of the middle ear are called otitis media. 

   Otitis externa can be caused by an infection or an allergy. Sufferers will experience inflammation of the outer ear canal, along with symptoms such as redness, itching, pain and swelling. It usually affects one ear. The condition may be a result of getting water/soap in the ear, and is more common among swimmers. 

   Otitis media is when there is swelling and a build up of fluid behind the eardrum. It often occurs after a cold, as a build up of mucus can block the Eustachian tube. It is very common in children (who have a smaller Eustachian tube). Symptoms include throbbing or sharp pain, a fever, dizziness and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Babies or young children may pull at the ear and show signs of irritability and restlessness at night.

   Customers with ear infections may need to be seen by a GP who can examine their ear with an otoscope.

3. Other conditions that customers may be affected by include tinnitus, perforated eardrum and glue ear.

   Tinnitus is where a noise is heard in the ear – such as ringing, buzzing or hissing – when there is no external sound.

   A perforated eardrum is when there is a hole in the eardrum, resulting in symptoms such as sudden hearing loss and pain.

   Glue ear occurs in childhood, when fluid builds up in the middle ear resulting in hearing loss. It may be treated using grommets, which are tubes that help to drain the fluid away.

   Refer customers with any of these symptoms to the pharmacist.

Did you know?

Conversation volume is around 60 decibels (dB), and volumes over 80dB can damage the ears.