Common Ear & Hearing Symptoms

Sudden hearing loss is an unexplained rapid loss of hearing in one or both ears. You should seek medical attention at your closest emergency department along with an urgent hearing test at your local Audiologist. A referral to an ENT may be necessary. 

Otitis externa is an outer ear infection that causes inflammation and redness within the ear canal. This is more commonly known as "swimmers ear". Other symptoms may include itchiness, pain, decreased hearing and ear discharge.

Ear drops targeted to the type of infection, either bacterial or fungal, may be the best treatment. Ways to prevent otitis externa is to keep the ears dry by wearing custom fitted ear plugs while swimming or ear putty while showering, moisturising the ear with oil instillation using an eye dropper, and not using Q-tips in the ears.

Otitis media is a prevalent middle ear infection, often affecting children. It occurs when the middle ear becomes inflamed due to bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms may include ear pain, fluid drainage, and hearing difficulties. Treatment is oral antibiotics and topical eardrops if there is ear discharge.Surgical intervention can be considered for recurrent cases.

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tube connecting your ear to your throat is blocked after a viral infection (cold, sinus infection, etc.).

Symptoms may include a plugged sensation, pressure or fullness in the ears, muffled hearing, a 'popping or tickle' sensation, balance issues, and ringing in the ears. 

Sometimes ETD resolves on it's own, other times a steroid nasal spray may be prescribed. If medical treatment does not resolve the issue, surgical treatment may be necessary. 

Hearing loss can result from various factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, and genetic predisposition. A hearing test is essential to diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss. Solutions may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and advanced auditory rehabilitation techniques.

Contact an Audiologist local to you to schedule a hearing test before a referral to an ENT doctor. 

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears. It can be linked to age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, or underlying health conditions. Finding the root cause can help your primary care provider or ENT provide management plans, including sound therapy and coping strategies.