This document provides information on several common ear conditions: - Earwax buildup is caused by an excess buildup of earwax in the ear canal, which can be treated with eardrops. Risk factors include dry earwax or narrow ear canals. - Otitis media is a middle ear infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup, commonly affecting young children. - Glue ear is when the middle ear fills with fluid, causing hearing loss, and often affects young children. - Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, with noises described as buzzing, humming, or whistling. - Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or

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Earwax build-up
Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and
free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly, but
sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.
A build-up of earwax is a common problem that can often be
treated using eardrops bought from a pharmacy.
Some people regularly get blocked ears because they naturally
produce a lot of earwax.
Other factors that can increase the risk of too much earwax
include:
producing naturally hard or dry earwax
having narrow or hairy ear canals (the tube between the
opening of the ear and the eardrum)
being elderly, as earwax becomes drier with age
bony growths in the outer part of the ear canal
Earwax can also block your ear if you frequently insert objects
into your ear canal, such as cotton buds, ear plugs or hearing
aids.

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Otitis Infection
Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that causes
inflammation (redness and swelling) and a build-up of fluid
behind the eardrum.
Anyone can develop a middle ear infection but infants between
six and 15 months old are most commonly affected.
It's estimated that around one in every four children experience
at least one middle ear infection by the time they're 10 years old.

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Glue Ear
Glue ear is a common childhood condition where the middle ear
becomes filled with fluid. The medical term for glue ear is otitis
media with effusion.
It's estimated that one in five children around the age of two
will be affected by glue ear at any given time, and about 8 in
every 10 children will have had glue ear at least once by the
time they're 10 years old.
The main symptom of glue ear is some hearing loss in one or
both ears. This is usually similar to what you experience when
you put your hands over your ears.
Signs that your child may be having problems hearing include:
• Struggling to keep up with conversations.
• Becoming aggravated because they're trying harder to hear.
• Regularly turning up the volume on the television.

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Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside
your body, rather than from an outside source.
It's often described as "ringing in the ears", although several
sounds can be heard, including:
• Buzzing
• Humming
• Grinding
• Hissing
• Whistling
Some people may hear sounds similar to music or singing, and
others hear noises that beat in time with their pulse (pulsatile
tinnitus).
You may also notice that your hearing is not as good as it used
to be or you're more sensitive to everyday sounds

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Vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It's the
sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or
spinning.
This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe
that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday
tasks.
Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few
seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe
vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several
days, making normal life very difficult.
Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:
• Loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Dizziness

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Perforated eardrum
A perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the eardrum. It can be
uncomfortable, but usually heals within a few weeks or months
provided your ear is kept dry and there’s no infection.
The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin
layer of tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
A hole in the eardrum can be caused by:
• A middle ear infection, if pus builds up inside your ear and
puts pressure on your eardrum
• An injury to the eardrum, such as a severe blow to the ear or
poking an object such as a cotton bud deep into the ear
• A sudden loud noise, such as a loud explosion
• Changes in air pressure, such as pressure changes while
flying at high altitude or when scuba diving.

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